Too Few Tech Workers: Why New Zealand's Digital Plans Need Skilled People From Indonesia and Around the World

News · 2026-09-22 · 4 min read

New Zealand's technology sector has reached a turning point, and its own business leaders openly say so. Most talk about business change is about moving to the cloud, using AI and working with partners. But under all of this there is a quieter and more urgent problem. New Zealand does not have enough people to do the work.

A Message Shared in Auckland

At a recent SAP User Group event in Auckland, SAP New Zealand managing director Adrian Griffin argued that New Zealand should no longer be seen as just a small add-on to the Australian market. Its economy is different. So are the pressures on its public sector and the situation of its workforce. Inside his argument, though, there is an even more important message for anyone who follows jobs in the region. New Zealand's tech plans are moving much faster than its supply of skilled workers.

Big Plans, Not Enough People

Griffin talked about a large amount of transformation work coming soon. This includes updating systems for the cloud, building data platforms and, more and more, using AI to redesign how work gets done. Global consulting firms and regional MSPs are already getting ready for this. They are growing their presence in New Zealand by buying other companies and hiring dedicated leaders.

However, having capacity on paper is not the same as having it in real life. Griffin spoke honestly about what is slowing the market down:

the local skills base is getting smaller;
the public sector, especially in Wellington, is working with less capability than before;
many graduates keep choosing to build their careers in Australia instead of staying at home.

He shared that when he gave guest lectures at the University of Auckland, he was surprised by how many students already saw Australia, not New Zealand, as the place they would go next.

This is not a small hiring problem. It is a deep gap between the size of the changes New Zealand organisations want to make and the number of workers available to make them happen.

AI Needs More Skilled Judgment, Not Less

Many people think AI will reduce the need for staff. Griffin's opinion is the opposite. He said that bringing in AI is mainly about redesigning a business and how it is organised. It is not a simple technology you just switch on. This means it needs more skilled judgment, not less. People still have to choose which processes to automate and where human checks must stay. They also need to make sure governance and data quality stay strong as agentic AI takes over more day-to-day work.

Put simply, the bigger New Zealand's AI plans grow, the more it will need experienced local talent who can lead this redesign. Sadly, these are exactly the people most likely to be attracted overseas.

A Chance for Skilled Professionals From Abroad

Here, New Zealand's talent shortage starts to look less like a warning and more like an opportunity for skilled workers in other countries. Organisations that invest in cloud, data platforms and AI-led change need people with real, hands-on experience in these exact areas. Examples include:

enterprise systems specialists;
data engineers;
cloud architects;
change-management professionals who know how to redesign workflows around new technology, instead of just adding it on top.

Griffin's own words support this. Confidence in New Zealand's transformation plans depends on confidence that the country can actually bring in the resources to deliver them. For skilled migrants comparing their choices, this is a market sign worth noticing. New Zealand is a developed economy with a clear, funded plan for change, and it openly admits it lacks the people to carry it out.

Tips Before You Apply From Indonesia

If you work in IT in Indonesia and are interested in this market, start by preparing a clear English-language CV that shows your cloud, data or systems experience. Check whether an English test such as IELTS or PTE is needed for your visa or by the employer. It also helps to have your Indonesian-language documents translated into English as the visa rules require.

Looking Ahead

New Zealand is building its own identity, separate from Australia's larger and more crowded tech market. At the same time, it is quietly showing why it could be a good destination, a place where experienced professionals are not only welcome but truly needed.

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