Australasia stories

In 2026, AI shifts from dazzling pilots to disciplined performance, as trust, governance and human oversight overtake speed of deployment.

New Zealand health experts warn AI diet tips and unregulated social media weight-loss pills are fuelling dangerous, hidden health risks.

New Zealand design leader Dave Clark dies; agency bearing his name says leadership and ownership stay unchanged under co-founders.

Boroondara selects Datacom Datascape to overhaul property, rates and permits systems, aiming for streamlined services and future AI automation.

Rapid Loans names Kane Jones CEO and Lois Zhang CFO as founder Russell Birse becomes executive chair amid tighter lending regulation.

Elite appoints former law firm executive Kirk Rogers as Head of APAC Sales to drive its next phase of legal tech growth across the region.

January Capital raises over USD $130m for an Asia-Pacific growth credit fund targeting sponsor-backed technology companies.

iGoDirect enters New Zealand with instant web‑to‑wallet Visa rewards, aiming to replace plastic gift cards in corporate loyalty schemes.

Tineco’s Carpet One Cruiser wins spot on TIME’s Best Inventions 2025 list, boosting its growing floorcare footprint in Australia and NZ.

Airwallex has named James Teodorini Head of ANZ to spearhead growth in Australia and New Zealand after hitting USD $235 billion in volume.

German test and measurement firm Rohde & Schwarz has opened its first dedicated New Zealand office, establishing a base in central Auckland.

Small firms across Australia and New Zealand turn to AI to sharpen 2026 growth, boost service standards and tackle persistent staff shortages.

PaySauce launches NZD $4m equity raise at NZD $0.26 a share to fund its 2026 Australian expansion and broaden its investor base.

JAVLN acquires Australian document manager organiseit after AUD $6 million raise, deepening its APAC insurtech footprint and cloud offering.

Castles Technology has opened a Melbourne hub as its Pacific headquarters, targeting fast-growing Android payments across Australia and NZ.

ChatGPT has swept Apple’s 2025 app charts in Australia, topping both free iPhone and iPad download lists as AI tools surge in popularity.

Redirecting 10% of domestic Defence contracts to Australian firms could boost GDP by AUD $8.2 billion and create over 43,000 jobs annually, says DeltaPearl Partners.

Social robots tailored to children's needs can boost reading confidence and emotional support in young learners, offering promising classroom assistance.

ConnectOS ranks 37th on AFR Fast 100 for the fourth year, posting USD $66m revenue and 65% growth, expanding its offshore teams for Australian firms.

Gemini's report reveals 22% of Australians now invest in cryptocurrencies, with growing trust and regulation driving mainstream adoption of digital assets.