Microsoft to Expand AI Upskilling Programme in New Zealand

Microsoft is doubling its AI upskilling commitments in New Zealand. 

The company has announced that it plans to provide 200,000 New Zealanders with AI and digital skills training by the end of 2028 to help build an AI-ready workforce and support the countries’ national AI strategy to accelerate adoption and innovation. 

Microsoft first made the commitment to help 100,000 New Zealanders develop AI skills by the end of 2026 in 2024, when it opened the first hyperscale data centre region. This initiative has already reached 75,000 people, with the company accelerating these upskilling efforts to meet increasing demands for AI adoption.

AI adoption in New Zealand 

According to Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index, 59% of business leaders in New Zealand say productivity needs to increase, but 79% of leaders and employees report that they are lacking enough time or energy to do the amount of work needed.

AI adoption may be critical to helping strengthen this productivity, says Microsoft, as LinkedIn research shows that hiring for AI talent has grown more than 300% worldwide over the past nine years while eight out of 10 C-suite leaders say they prioritise candidates with AI confidence over experience alone. 

“New Zealand is building strong momentum in AI adoption,” says Jane Livesey, President of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand. “However, now is not the time to take our foot off the accelerator.

“Studies have shown Gen AI could contribute between NZ$76 and NZ$108bn to our economy each year by 2038. Making the most of that opportunity means we need to be investing in building 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.” 

As part of efforts to upskill New Zealanders, Microsoft is also conducting broader work to support underrepresented communities in New Zealand. This includes its 10K Women initiative, which aims to upskill female students, workers and career changers to empower them to pursue careers in the technology sector. 

Elevating AI usage

Microsoft’s expanded commitment to AI upskilling is being supported by several deep learning programmes across the country – with the company saying that access to practical training is one of the best ways to ensure people are well equipped to deploy AI at work. 

This includes Microsoft Elevate for Educators, which is designed to help schools and education institutions bring AI into teaching and learning. Designed to help educators build practical AI capabilities, this programme offers students the opportunity to build the skills needed to apply AI in a real-world context, preparing them for the world of work. 

It has also developed Elevate for Changemakers, which is designed to support community and non-profit leaders as they build AI capabilities within their organisations. This, Microsoft says, can support community-led organisations, which often face similar challenges to wider businesses but with limited time and resources.

Access to practical training can help those leaders understand how AI can support service delivery, planning and administration, while building confidence in using the technology.