Artificial intelligence, more commonly known as AI, is rapidly becoming a vital part of our everyday lives. Currently, AI is used for tasks such as voice recognition, facial recognition, and natural language processing. However, as technology advances, AI is set to play an even bigger role in our lives, changing the way we work, live and operate businesses. For job seekers in New Zealand, this raises the question of how AI will affect the job market and what skills they will need to stay relevant. In this blog post, we will explore the future of AI in New Zealand and what it means for job seekers. What is AI? Before diving into the topic of AI, it’s essential to define precisely what AI is. AI refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, perception, and decision-making. This technology allows computers to understand and respond to complex data, improving their performance over time. AI in New Zealand: A Growing Market New Zealand is making great strides in the AI industry. The government has recently invested $300m in the technology sector, providing support for innovative projects that involve AI. The AI market in New Zealand is expected to reach $206m by 2025, driven by the growing demand for automation and efficiency across sectors, including healthcare, finance, and transport. The Impact of AI on Jobs in New Zealand While AI is set to revolutionize various industries, it's expected to have a significant impact on jobs. According to a report by PWC, by 2030, up to 30% of jobs in New Zealand could become automated. This means that many jobs currently performed by humans may become obsolete. However, it’s also important to note that AI will create new job opportunities. As companies adopt AI technology, they will require experts who can develop and maintain these systems. AI technology will also create new roles such as data analysts, AI trainers and human-machine interaction specialists. The skills needed for the Future of Work To remain relevant in the job market of the future, job seekers will need to develop new skills. AI technology will require human expertise to develop and operate, providing new opportunities for those with specific AI skills. Skills such as data analytics, machine learning, natural language processing and robotics engineering will be in high demand. Additionally, soft skills such as adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving will be in demand in the fast-changing AI industry. Workers who possess a combination of technical and interpersonal skills will have a competitive advantage in the job market of the future. Final Thoughts AI is set to revolutionize the way we work, creating new job opportunities and changing the way we approach tasks. New Zealand is well-positioned to take advantage of this technology with its supportive government and innovative tech industry. While AI will undoubtedly have an impact on jobs, it will also create new opportunities for those willing to adapt and learn. Job seekers must be proactive in upskilling themselves and learning new skills to remain competitive in the job market of the future. With the right attitude and skill set, AI can be a promising path to a successful career in New Zealand.