New Zealand AI co-funding: scope and preparation

Speak to your local Regional Business Partner first

New Zealand’s AI Advisory Pilot operates through the Regional Business Partner Network. A government announcement on 22 September 2026 extended the pilot to 30 June 2027.

The programme page lists co-funding of up to 50% of eligible costs: up to NZ$2,500 for a stage-one roadmap and NZ$12,500 for stage-two implementation, excluding GST. Participating businesses work with an approved provider.

Prepare the business problem

Describe the work you want to improve, the systems you use and who can participate. Listed eligibility criteria include NZ GST registration, an NZBN, active trading, RBP Network registration and no more than 50 full-time equivalent employees.

A local advisor discusses suitability and confirms the application, provider and funding arrangements. Do that before signing or starting work that depends on funding. The pilot excludes projects already under way or completed, hardware purchases, stand-alone AI training and normal operating costs. Creating or selling AI products or services, and general software or product development, are also outside its scope.

Show funding separately in the budget

List the full project fee first. Then calculate the business contribution using the eligible scope and amount confirmed by the programme. Separate software, equipment and continuing support so they can be checked against the approved activities.

When discussing implementation, prepare a full-cost budget alongside any version based on written funding confirmation. This lets you assess the project while the funding arrangement is being established.

J2K’s indicative website prices show the full service fee. If you need to use pilot funding, ask your local Regional Business Partner to confirm the applicable arrangements before selecting a provider and agreeing the work.

Sources: Official programme information, Government extension announcement. Checked on 24 October 2026.