The State of AI in the Enterprise

Deloitte Global's State of AI in the Enterprise report theme, built differently, reflects an important shift. AI is moving from a tool that helps people do their work towards technology that can complete a greater range of tasks. Organisations need to rethink how work gets done, how decisions are made, and how value is measured from the ground up.

Some of these global themes are being felt in New Zealand, while others do not fully reflect what we are seeing here.

The economics of AI are changing

Globally, 71% of surveyed organisations track their total AI spending, but only 44% understand the cost of each unit of AI use.

In our work with New Zealand organisations, we are seeing AI costs increasingly become an area of focus. While many organisations currently access AI through fixed software licences, the costs can appear simple and predictable.

But the economics are changing as some suppliers move towards usage-based pricing, including token-based models where costs reflect how much information an AI system processes and produces.

As the economics of AI change, it is a good time to put better measurement in place. Leaders need to understand not only their total AI spending, but also the cost of achieving a specific business outcome, like processing an application, answering a customer request, or preparing an analysis.

Physical AI could present an opportunity for New Zealand

Globally, 25% of organisations are using physical AI to at least a moderate level today. Physical AI adoption is expected to reach 48% within two years.

Physical AI combines AI software with machines and equipment that can detect their surroundings, process information, and act. Examples include autonomous robots, drones, and vehicles.

Physical AI could become increasingly important for New Zealand. Our dispersed population and workforce constraints could make some physical AI applications particularly relevant. Physical AI could improve workplace safety, make specialist capability available in remote locations, and support more effective management of essential services and assets.

About The State of AI in the Enterprise

The State of AI in the Enterprise is Deloitte Global’s report on how organisations are adopting, scaling and creating value from artificial intelligence.

The latest research was conducted between May and June 2026 and surveyed 3,500 senior business and technology leaders across 25 countries. It explores how organisations are changing the way they work, managing AI costs, and preparing for the next stage of AI adoption.