New Zealanders are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) at an unprecedented rate, yet a fresh survey reveals mounting apprehension over its potential harms and broader societal repercussions. The Internet Insights 2025 research, commissioned by InternetNZ and conducted by Verian in late 2025, paints a picture of widespread adoption coupled with deep reservations. Nearly 80 percent of Kiwis aged 18 and over reported using AI tools in the past year, with 58 percent doing so at least weekly—primarily through search engines and chatbots for queries, writing assistance, or workplace tasks.

This surge marks a sharp evolution from prior years, where AI familiarity was limited. Today, 31 percent of respondents claim to know 'a lot' or 'a fair amount' about AI, a six-point increase from 2024. However, this knowledge hasn't quelled fears; instead, 52 percent express extreme or very high concern about AI's overall impact on society, with another 30 percent somewhat worried. Among those most informed, 47 percent feel more concerned than excited.

Rising AI Usage Trends in Everyday Kiwi Life

AI has woven itself into the fabric of daily routines across New Zealand. The survey highlights that 62 percent use it for information-seeking via tools like chatbots, 32 percent for drafting emails or content, and 27 percent in professional settings. This reflects a nation adapting to AI's utility, from students drafting essays to professionals streamlining reports. Yet, as adoption accelerates, so does scrutiny over unchecked proliferation.

In higher education contexts, this mirrors trends where university students increasingly integrate AI for research and assignments. New Zealand institutions like the University of Auckland and Massey University report heightened AI tool usage among learners, prompting guidelines on ethical application. For those pursuing careers in academia, staying ahead means mastering these tools while navigating risks—resources like higher ed career advice can guide aspiring lecturers on AI proficiency.

Dissecting the Primary Concerns: A Data-Driven View

The research delineates clear fault lines in public sentiment. Here's a breakdown of the top worries, based on those 'extremely' or 'very' concerned:

• AI generating harmful content, such as deepfakes (68 percent)
• Malicious applications, like cyberattacks or scams (65 percent)
• Inadequate regulation and laws governing AI development (64 percent)
• Spreading inaccurate or misleading information (61 percent)
• Privacy violations through data misuse (58 percent)

Other notable fears include perpetuating biases, job displacement (59 percent), and intellectual property theft. These align with global patterns but hit harder locally, where only 44 percent in a KPMG study believe AI benefits outweigh risks—the lowest worldwide.

The Urgent Demand for Robust AI Regulation

A resounding 64 percent call for stronger oversight, echoing InternetNZ CEO Vivien Maidaborn's metaphor: AI is 'a train that’s left the station before the tracks have been built.' This push aligns with 81 percent in the KPMG Trust in AI report favoring laws on transparency and safety. New Zealand's government is responding with an AI strategy emphasizing ethical deployment, but public trust hinges on swift action.

Read the full InternetNZ survey summary for deeper methodology insights.

Demographic Nuances in AI Perceptions

While concerns are broad, variations emerge. Younger Kiwis (18-34) show higher usage but equal wariness, particularly around job loss amid economic pressures. Māori and Pacific respondents highlight cultural biases in AI, amplifying calls for inclusive governance. In academia, these divides inform university policies; for instance, Victoria University of Wellington's research on AI catastrophic risks underscores diverse stakeholder input.

Societal Ramifications: Jobs, Misinformation, and Equity

AI's shadow looms over employment, with 59 percent fearing displacement—pertinent for higher ed, where adjunct roles and research positions evolve. Misinformation risks erode democratic discourse, while biases could exacerbate inequalities in Aotearoa's diverse society. Stakeholders urge proactive measures to harness benefits like productivity gains without societal fractures.

New Zealand Universities Grapple with AI in Education

Higher education stands at the vanguard. NZ universities face AI's double-edged sword: tools enhance research but threaten assessment integrity. Recent studies reveal abandonment of cheating detectors, revival of oral exams at institutions like Auckland. Beyond plagiarism, risks include eroded critical thinking and biased curricula—a focus of AcademicJobs.com analysis.

Explore higher ed jobs in AI ethics and digital pedagogy, vital for NZ's academic future. Symposia like the NZ AI in Higher Ed event stress literacy training.

Academic Research Driving AI Ethics Conversations

NZ scholars lead: Otago examines AI's research implications, balancing efficiency against integrity. AUT and Waikato develop guidelines for generative AI, addressing student perceptions of ethics. A Springer study on ethical AI use among students underscores agency shifts. These efforts position universities as policy influencers.

AI risks in NZ higher ed analysis.

Opportunities Amid the Concerns

Not all is alarm: 47 percent of informed users see excitement in innovation. AI boosts productivity, aids personalized learning in unis, and supports fields like healthcare. Balanced adoption—via skills training—could mitigate harms, as per MBIE's AI strategy.

Photo by Kerin Gedge on Unsplash

Charting a Constructive Path Forward

InternetNZ advocates diverse input for governance, aligned with global standards. Universities offer actionable insights: AI literacy programs, ethical frameworks. For career seekers, university jobs in AI governance proliferate. Check Rate My Professor for AI-savvy educators. Ultimately, informed regulation ensures AI enhances rather than endangers Aotearoa's society.

Interested in AI-related roles? Visit higher ed jobs, career advice, and NZ academic opportunities.