By Tuesday, 30 September 2025, 9:33 Am Press Release: Bnz
Copyright scoop
New Zealand healthcare providers are turning to AI to cut
admin and free up time for patient care, according to a
recent BNZ survey.
The survey of private healthcare
providers found that two-thirds have used or considered AI
tools, with note-taking AI scribes the most common. By
contrast, clinical tools such as imaging and diagnostic
applications are largely in the discovery or pilot
“We’re seeing providers start
with AI applications that can immediately reduce
administrative burden on clinical staff, rather than those
that directly influence patient care,” says BNZ Head of
Health Thomsen McKenzie.
“This aligns
with what we heard in our previous health sector reports
about workforce pressures – anything that frees up time
for patient care is being prioritised.”
Over 40% of
respondents reported using or trialling scribes, with nearly
half of those already at partial or full deployment.
Administrative automation tools, such as scheduling,
billing, and payroll are on a similar trajectory, with a
quarter of those surveyed using or considering using them –
with 36% of those already in the adoption phase.
clinical tools remain largely in pilot, early adopters are
seeing gains where AI is embedded in
At Customs Street Dentist, Dr
Tony Dey uses the Dexis OP3D Pro, which has native AI
capabilities. The system auto-orients X-rays, labels teeth
and highlights areas of concern; for 3D scans it maps key
anatomical structures like nerves to speed implant
“AI is no longer a futuristic
add-on; it’s quickly becoming table stakes,” he
“From the moment we switched the system on, it
was saving time and improving the consistency of our
diagnostics.”
Feedback from patients is also
consistently positive, according to Dr Dey.
seen as another layer of service – they feel they are
getting both a clinician and a machine working on their
Digital investment accelerates amid
workforce challenges
providers are also increasing broader digital investment to
manage workforce shortages. Just over 60% of respondents to
the survey reported they had either invested more in digital
solutions or were considering doing
Workforce shortages are affecting
over 80% of providers (excluding sole traders), with delays
or increased patient wait times and staff burnout among the
most common impacts. Nearly two-thirds of respondents
reported staff changes in the past year, often due to career
shifts or overseas moves.
“Technology adoption as a
response to labour challenges has gained material ground
this year compared to last year’s report. Providers are
actively seeking solutions rather than simply accepting
workforce constraints,” says
Barriers focus on uncertainty over
For the respondents not yet exploring
AI, the top barrier is regulatory and ethical compliance,
followed by affordability. Other concerns include
uncertainty about available tools, system integration, and
accuracy/bias.
The findings come as the government’s
AI strategy, released in July, emphasises a light-touch
approach relying on existing regulations rather than new
AI-specific rules.
The survey also found
that healthcare providers need support in three key areas:
affordable finance for technology adoption, streamlined
banking processes, and advice on implementing new
BNZ’s healthcare team works across all
healthcare sectors – be it primary and allied health,
dental, pharmacy, specialists, veterinary, or aged care
sectors – to support technology adoption and practice
growth, including lending for practice buy-ins, expansions
and equipment purchases.
McKenzie says this
sector-specific approach reflects the different investment
cycles and cash-flow pressures healthcare providers face
when adopting new technology.
“Understanding these
challenges helps us develop tailored financial solutions for
the industry that supports innovation and boosts
productivity,” he says.
estimates, based on Microsoft research, suggest adopting
generative AI could add $76 billion to New Zealand’s
economy by 2038. With healthcare representing nearly 10 per
cent of GDP, productivity gains in the sector could deliver
substantial benefits while helping to address workforce
For more information, please
see the full report attached to this
The 2025 BNZ
Healthcare survey was conducted in June/July 2025 among a
convenience sample of BNZ business customers from the
healthcare sector. Responses were received from n=95
participants in total. The sample was not
controlled.
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