Microsoft expands AI skills drive across New Zealand

Microsoft has doubled its AI and digital skills commitment in New Zealand, expanding access to training for another 200,000 people by the end of 2028.

The move builds on an earlier pledge made when Microsoft opened its New Zealand datacentre region to help 100,000 New Zealanders build AI and digital skills by the end of 2026. It says it has already reached three quarters of that target ahead of schedule, prompting it to expand the programme as demand for AI training grows.

The announcement comes as businesses and public sector bodies face pressure to lift productivity while adapting to the wider use of generative AI. Microsoft cited findings from its 2025 Work Trend Index showing that 59% of business leaders in New Zealand believe productivity must improve, while 79% of both leaders and workers say they lack enough time or energy to do their jobs.

Separate LinkedIn research cited by Microsoft found that hiring for AI talent has increased by more than 300% worldwide over the past nine years. It also found that eight in 10 C-suite leaders now prioritise candidates with AI confidence over experience alone.

Jane Livesey, President of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, linked the training push to the country's wider economic prospects.

"New Zealand is building strong momentum in AI adoption. However, now is not the time to take our foot off the accelerator," Livesey said.

"Studies have shown generative AI could contribute between $76 billion and $108 billion to our economy each year by 2038. Making the most of that opportunity means investing in those foundation skills. The more New Zealanders who are confident using AI, the more organisations will be able to transform the way they work, for the benefit of the whole economy."

Training focus

The expanded programme will be delivered through a set of practical training initiatives under Microsoft's Elevate banner, including schemes for educators, community groups and people already in work.

Elevate for Educators is aimed at schools and tertiary institutions that want to embed AI skills more widely in teaching and learning. The programme offers free access to an AI Litreacy for Educators credential, along with training, implementation guidance and classroom resources.

Its aim is to help education providers move from early trials of AI tools to more consistent everyday use. For students, earlier exposure to AI skills is intended to help them learn to use the technology responsibly before entering the workforce.

Another strand, Elevate for Changemakers, is designed for community and non-profit leaders. These organisations often face the same administrative and service delivery pressures as businesses, but with fewer resources, making practical AI training useful for planning and operations.

Workforce push

Microsoft also highlighted work with existing customers, including Fonterra, Spark and Health NZ, to train staff as AI use expands inside large organisations. In the case of Health NZ's Hauora Māori Services team, deployment of Microsoft 365 Copilot was designed to reflect Māori values and meet expectations around data and security.

The example forms part of a broader effort to show that AI adoption in New Zealand will need to address trust, governance and cultural considerations as well as technical skills. Confidence in using the tools will also matter if organisations want wider take-up among staff.

For individuals, Microsoft is promoting AI Skills Navigator, which brings together courses from Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning in one place. The online format is intended to let people build skills at their own pace, regardless of their starting point.

The material includes AI, cybersecurity and professional certificate courses, as well as training in critical thinking, empathy, communication and creativity. Microsoft said those skills will remain important as AI changes how work is organised.

Community reach

Beyond mainstream workforce training, the commitment also reflects work with underrepresented communities across New Zealand. Microsoft pointed to its 10K Women initiative, which passed its target in 2025, and to work in West Auckland with the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, Auckland Council, the Ministry of Social Development and Seen Ventures.

That West Auckland programme has linked adult learners with employers on live projects designed to build creative technology skills. Microsoft will also work with schools and kura kaupapa in the area on projects focused on researching and creating social media content, including the ethical issues tied to digital media and AI use.

Students involved in that work will be able to earn NCEA credits, and training materials will be translated into te reo Māori to widen access across kura kaupapa and schools.

The expansion aligns with New Zealand's national AI strategy, which aims to increase adoption and build domestic expertise. By broadening access to AI and digital training beyond large companies to teachers, community leaders and students, Microsoft is positioning skills development as a central part of how the country responds to rapid changes in the labour market.