New Zealand (NZ) stories

ASUS and ASI Solutions will deliver over 8,500 rugged Flip/Touch Chromebooks to ACT public schools in a major 2026 hardware refresh.

New Zealand cyber agency emails 26,000 people in first mass alert over Lumma Stealer malware infecting Windows devices nationwide.

New Zealand MPs unite across party lines to back under-16 social media curbs after a shocking ‘Worst Children’s Library’ exhibit at Parliament.

Australian SMEs step up a campaign against the RBA’s proposed blanket ban on card surcharges, warning it will lift prices for all shoppers.

Physical security is evolving into a strategic business function, with AI, unified platforms and hybrid cloud reshaping priorities to 2026.

Langdon to pour over NZD $15m into a new South Auckland hub, doubling capacity to feed surging demand for third culture cuisine.

TikTok trends, AI tools and global flavours are transforming Kiwi Christmas menus, as Appetise data shows earlier, budget-savvy festive planning.

academyEX appoints Glenn Elith as its first Group Chief Executive to drive trans-Tasman growth in AI-focused tertiary education.

Cricut launches exclusive NZD $19.85 tattoo and magnet sheet packs at Harvey Norman NZ, targeting personalised holiday-season crafting.

Gallagher Security steps up global expansion with new leaders, offices and award-winning tech as it sharpens its growth focus for 2026.

A viral festival clip of a top influencer sipping from a pink Huski champagne flute has sent global demand for the Kiwi drinkware brand soaring.

Businesses that treat AI as a shiny toy, not a planned tool, risk waste, security gaps and stagnation as competitors move ahead.

New Zealand’s AI productivity promise will falter unless firms simplify systems, curb shadow AI and strengthen cybersecurity foundations.

Xero launches global beta of JAX-powered bank reconciliation, promising to auto-match over 80% of statement lines in real time.

Cloudera forecasts Australia’s AI shift from pilots to industrial-scale, privacy-first deployments by 2026 as tech spend tops AUD $172 billion.

YouTube has launched its first personalised Recap in New Zealand, giving signed-in viewers sharable year-end summaries of their watching habits.

GovHack’s 2025 Red Carpet Awards in Sydney spotlighted innovative open data projects driving public benefit across Australia and New Zealand.

UK saw the highest global Black Friday growth at 16%, driven by loyalty spend, AI tools, and personalised retail experiences, outpacing US and ANZ markets.

JobAdder launches Adder Intelligence, an AI tool in Australia and New Zealand that automates hiring by uncovering talent and cutting recruitment time by 67%.

Trend Micro warns AI-driven scams will surge by 2026, using deepfakes and multi-channel tactics to trap victims in sophisticated frauds globally.