By EMA Head of Marketing and Transformation Lisa Dean
For many New Zealand businesses, the question is no longer whether to use artificial intelligence. The reality is that employees are already using it.
The EMA’s Workforce 2030 research found that 83 per cent of surveyed businesses are using AI in some form, whether through experimentation, pilot programmes or embedded business processes. At the same time, many organisations are still developing the leadership capability, governance frameworks and workforce readiness needed to support that adoption.
People are finding practical ways to use AI to save time, generate content, summarise information and improve productivity. But often this innovation is happening faster than formal systems and policies can keep up.
Our research identified the growing presence of what is commonly called “shadow AI”, employees using AI tools outside approved organisational frameworks because they see immediate benefits in their day-to-day work. New technologies have often been adopted before governance catches up.
The issue is not that employees are using AI. In many cases, that experimentation is delivering genuine value. The risk emerges when organisations have limited visibility of which tools are being used, what information is being shared, and who is accountable for decisions supported by AI.
The Workforce 2030 research revealed that leadership capability is becoming one of the most significant constraints to successful AI adoption. Many leaders remain uncertain about governance, accountability, acceptable use, organisational risk appetite and the boundaries between human and AI decision-making.
This matters because AI is no longer a technology issue alone.
As AI becomes more deeply integrated into everyday business operations, leaders must make decisions about trust, risk, oversight and responsibility. They need to understand not just what the technology can do, but how it should be used within their organisation.
Importantly, governance should not be viewed as a barrier to innovation. Good governance enables innovation by giving people clarity and confidence. It helps businesses create safe environments for experimentation while protecting customers, employees and commercial information.
That is why governance and responsible use are becoming a growing focus of the EMA’s Workforce 2030 initiative. Businesses are increasingly looking for practical guidance on how to balance opportunity with accountability.
On 30 September, the EMA will host an AI governance webinar as part of Workforce 2030, featuring specialists from Data Insight. Registration details can be found on the EMA website.
Designed for business leaders and decision-makers, the workshop will explore the governance questions organisations should be asking as AI adoption accelerates. Participants will engage directly with experts to discuss real-world AI implementation challenges and opportunities.
Because the businesses that gain the greatest value from AI over the next decade are unlikely to be those that simply adopt the most tools. They will be the organisations that combine innovation with strong leadership, clear governance and the confidence to use AI responsibly.