2026-07-19

MBIE Maps New Zealand Roles Most Exposed to Business Automation

Summary

An MBIE briefing indicates that New Zealand’s office-based workforce is more exposed to task automation than full job replacement. Software, ICT, accounting and call-centre roles are among the most affected. The findings point to growing demand for workflow integration, process redesign and technology skills. More detailed local evidence is expected from an MBIE survey in September 2026.

Our Analysis

• We see this as a practical warning for firms automating tasks without redesigning roles and career pathways.
• Our team expects stronger demand for workflow audits, integration and human approval controls.
• Entry-level hiring deserves particular attention as routine administrative work becomes easier to automate.

Full Story

A new analysis of New Zealand’s workforce is highlighting where business process automation is most likely to reshape employment, with software, information and communications technology, accounting and call-centre roles among those facing the greatest exposure.

The analysis draws on a May 2026 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment briefing released this week. It estimates that about 2% of occupations are currently at high risk of full automation, while 36% have significant potential for task-level augmentation. The findings suggest that automation is more likely to change the composition of office-based work than eliminate entire professions immediately.

For New Zealand’s software development, CRM and enterprise applications sector, the results reinforce demand for systems that automate repeatable workflows while keeping people involved in judgement, approvals and customer relationships. Businesses may increasingly prioritise process mapping, data integration and workforce redesign alongside technology purchases.

The briefing also identifies a risk for entry-level roles, as routine administrative tasks are automated before younger workers gain experience. MBIE is conducting a larger survey of 20,000 businesses, with results expected in September 2026. That research should provide more New Zealand-specific evidence for organisations planning automation, recruitment and skills investment.