FutureFive New Zealand - Consumer technology news & reviews from the future

Australia & New Zealand Stories - Page 6

Kiwi Stories

Australia & New Zealand stories

Microsoft expands AI skills drive across New Zealand
Data Protection

Microsoft expands AI skills drive across New Zealand

The expansion follows early uptake of Microsoft’s previous pledge, as demand for AI training rises across business, schools and community groups.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Tue, 21st Apr 2026
Microsoft says NZ contribution hits NZ$9.4bn in FY25
Unified Communications

Microsoft says NZ contribution hits NZ$9.4bn in FY25

Local firms and agencies are using Microsoft’s AI and cloud tools to lift productivity, as the company’s NZ impact reaches NZ$9.4 billion in FY25.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Tue, 21st Apr 2026
The hidden risk in New Zealand's digital transformation
Firewalls

The hidden risk in New Zealand's digital transformation

Wider use of cloud, remote access and suppliers is leaving New Zealand organisations with harder-to-track cyber risk and weaker control.

By Dr Steven Woodhouse • 4 min read • Wed, 15th Apr 2026

Global Stories

Australia & New Zealand stories

Exclusive: Adobe ANZ chief on AI adoption trends
Digital Transformation

Exclusive: Adobe ANZ chief on AI adoption trends

AI is increasingly moving into live use across Australia and New Zealand, as regulated sectors test deployments while CEOs chase productivity gains.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • Thu, 23rd Apr 2026
Aviato named Google Cloud partner of the year for ANZ
Digital Transformation

Aviato named Google Cloud partner of the year for ANZ

The win bolsters Aviato’s credibility with enterprise clients weighing cloud migration and AI partners across Australia and New Zealand.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Thu, 23rd Apr 2026
Island names Hugh Darvall APAC Channel Lead amid push
Software-as-a-Service

Island names Hugh Darvall APAC Channel Lead amid push

The hire underlines Island’s channel-led APAC expansion as firms reassess VPNs, VDI and other legacy security tools amid AI adoption.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Thu, 23rd Apr 2026
1Cover expands Adyen payments deal, saves AUD $35,000
Digital Transformation

1Cover expands Adyen payments deal, saves AUD $35,000

Consolidating payments across Australia and New Zealand has cut 1Cover's costs by about AUD $35,000 in nine months, with more savings likely.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Wed, 22nd Apr 2026
New Zealand households cut festive discretionary spending
Gaming

New Zealand households cut festive discretionary spending

Cost-of-living pressure has left more than two in five households stretched, with bigger festive purchases falling faster than small treats.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Wed, 22nd Apr 2026
Fortanix hires duo to boost ANZ data security push
Data Protection

Fortanix hires duo to boost ANZ data security push

Businesses in Australia and New Zealand are seeking simpler tools as AI adoption and quantum risk sharpen demand for data security.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Wed, 22nd Apr 2026
Dreame launches H16 Pro Steam in Australia and New Zealand
Smart Home

Dreame launches H16 Pro Steam in Australia and New Zealand

Households in Australia and New Zealand get a premium wet and dry vacuum that combines steam, hot water and mopping for AUD $1,499.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Tue, 21st Apr 2026
Why runtime identity is emerging as the next cybersecurity imperative
Data Protection

Why runtime identity is emerging as the next cybersecurity imperative

As AI agents spread across workplaces, static credentials are proving too risky for sensitive tasks and customer-facing systems.

By Ash Diffey • 5 min read • Tue, 21st Apr 2026
Databricks names Simon Davies to lead APJ expansion
Software-as-a-Service

Databricks names Simon Davies to lead APJ expansion

Regional demand for its data and AI tools jumped more than 85% in the fourth quarter, prompting a bigger APJ push from Databricks.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Mon, 20th Apr 2026
SAS names Deloitte, Microsoft & Intel as partner winners
Data Analytics

SAS names Deloitte, Microsoft & Intel as partner winners

Partners across consulting, cloud and distribution were rewarded for helping SAS expand customer reach and adopt its Viya data and AI platform.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Fri, 17th Apr 2026
SentinelOne appoints Shah as Channel Director for ANZ & APJ distribution
Hyperscale

SentinelOne appoints Shah as Channel Director for ANZ & APJ distribution

Rising partner demand across Asia-Pacific is pushing SentinelOne to deepen its indirect sales reach as it adds a new regional channel lead.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 3 min read • Fri, 17th Apr 2026
The AI risk hiding in your finance team's browser tabs
Data Protection

The AI risk hiding in your finance team's browser tabs

Unapproved consumer AI tools are exposing finance data to model training, leaving ANZ firms with hidden governance and audit risks.

By Annexa • 7 min read • Wed, 15th Apr 2026

Stories from Other Regions

Australia & New Zealand stories

Persona integrates ConnectID for privacy-first age checks
Data Protection

Persona integrates ConnectID for privacy-first age checks

Australian platforms facing tougher age-check rules can now verify users through bank data, without collecting passports or licences.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Wed, 22nd Apr 2026
Year13 launches Anyway AI career coach in Australia
EduTech

Year13 launches Anyway AI career coach in Australia

The rollout aims to fill a gap in career advice for 14- to 24-year-olds, as schools face ratios of about 560 students per adviser.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 5 min read • Fri, 17th Apr 2026