New Zealand (NZ) stories

UK saw the highest global Black Friday growth at 16%, driven by loyalty spend, AI tools, and personalised retail experiences, outpacing US and ANZ markets.

JobAdder launches Adder Intelligence, an AI tool in Australia and New Zealand that automates hiring by uncovering talent and cutting recruitment time by 67%.

Trend Micro warns AI-driven scams will surge by 2026, using deepfakes and multi-channel tactics to trap victims in sophisticated frauds globally.

In 2026, the true AI edge lies not in tools or data but in Human Intelligence, guiding ethical, innovative, and resilient use of technology.

Magentus has acquired Labflow to enhance digital pathology platforms, integrating systems across Australia, the UK, India, and Southeast Asia for smarter lab operations.

Cohesity wins Cisco SolutionsPlus top partner award for 2025, recognised for growth, innovation and joint data protection and AI solutions.

JobAdder's new AI, Adder Intelligence, simplifies recruitment in New Zealand by automatically identifying top candidates and cutting hiring time by 67%.

Datacom has revamped its Wellington HQ with Logitech tech, creating hybrid workspaces that boost collaboration and support diverse working styles.

One New Zealand's AI-powered Network Concierge cuts network complaint analysis time by 80%, speeding up resolutions and improving service during outages.

As digital risks grow in Australia, 2026 will see adaptive identity become vital for securing every access point against advanced threats, including AI-driven attacks.

Symbos boosts customer experience services by acquiring CPM Australia, expanding its workforce to over 2,000 across several countries with enhanced digital capabilities.

AWS has honoured top Australia and New Zealand partners like HCLTech and TechnologyOne for excellence in cloud and AI innovation at its 2025 Partner Awards.

Pax8 will launch Google Cloud, Workspace, and AI tools on its marketplace for MSPs and SMBs in Australia and New Zealand from early 2026.

SAP opens a Centre of Excellence in Canberra to aid Australian public sector AI adoption, hiring 20 specialists by mid-2026 to boost digital transformation.

New Zealand's employee health plan costs are set to surge 18% in 2026, far exceeding the Asia Pacific and global averages amid rising healthcare demands.

Datadog expands partnership with AWS to enhance cloud observability and security, boosting AI and multi-cloud management for enterprises globally.

HPE integrates Juniper Networking with new AI-native features, boosting automation and introducing hardware to enhance hybrid tech and cloud workloads.

In 2025, New Zealanders' top Google searches reflected safety concerns, self-sufficiency trends, political engagement, and viral internet culture.

Retailers in Australia and New Zealand must act like technology firms, using real-time data and strong security to thrive during peak shopping seasons.

Westcon-Comstor has partnered with Ivanti to distribute its IT and security software across New Zealand, enhancing offerings for local channel partners.