New Zealand’s workforce is bracing for the rise of artificial intelligence, but University of Auckland economist and organisational behaviour expert Dr Kenny Ching argues it’s not the jobs apocalypse many fear.

AI will reshape roles rather than eliminate them, and thanks to a resilient agriculture-based economy, the country is better positioned than most to adapt and even lead in agricultural innovation. 

“AI is definitely coming for jobs,” said Ching on this week’s episode of The Business of Tech. 

“But it’s going to hit the services industry particularly hard and earlier than other industries.” 

He believes smarter investment in agritech and a renewed focus on uniquely human skills, like judgment and connection, will be key to future success. Ching recently outlined his thinking on AI and the future of work in Aotearoa in a piece published on The Conversation. 

Listen to episode 113 of The Business of Tech in full, powered by 2degrees Business, streaming on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.