AI reshaping traditional sectors like insurance & travel
New research and commentary from industry leaders are highlighting the pivotal role artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology play in reshaping traditional sectors and daily life, from insurance to travel.
As technological adoption accelerates, both business leaders and younger generations in New Zealand are demonstrating how the integration of AI and smartphones is transforming work, leisure, and the expectations of users.
David Leach, CEO of insurance policy management platform JAVLN, has spoken on the growing importance of responsible AI leadership in today's rapidly evolving landscape. "If you're in a position to influence – whether it's in a corporate, a school, a small business or a community – you have a responsibility to educate yourself on AI and help grow the next generation of 'AI natives'," Leach commented.
He emphasised that embracing fast-evolving AI technology and developing related critical and creative thinking skills are now essential for unlocking its full potential.
Within JAVLN, Leach pointed to the company's extensive use of AI to improve workflow and productivity, reinforcing that the technology is a complement to, rather than a replacement for, human expertise. "AI isn't a replacement for human experience – it amplifies it. Over 90% of our team have used AI trade tools in the past month to boost productivity, and Co-pilot is now part of our daily development workflow. The future of insurance broking is a partnership between people and technology – and businesses that embrace that will gain a true competitive edge," he explained.
Leach also noted that developing AI-proficient teams and broader adoption of open standards could be decisive factors in ensuring an organisation's relevance in the long term. "Adopting AI and developing AI-skilled teams gives businesses a better chance of long-term success – and frankly, reduces the risk of becoming irrelevant. In insurance, we're still grappling with gaps in end-to-end workflows. To enable future Agentic AI capabilities, we need greater industry alignment on secure data standards and broader adoption of Open APIs," he stressed.
Meanwhile, in the consumer technology space, a new study from Samsung New Zealand has explored the changing travel habits of Gen Z and Millennials, a group the research labels "Gen MZ", aged 18 to 34. The findings point to smartphones, particularly when powered by AI, as now integral to the travel experience for young New Zealanders.
The research underscores the strong attachment Gen MZ feels towards their phones, with 33% indicating they would rather lose their passport than their device while on holiday. Nearly half (48%) said that their last holiday experience would not have been the same without their phone. The notion of "doing it for the 'Gram" remains prevalent, as 30% of respondents admitted to visiting a specific place or planning an activity solely for social media content, while over a quarter (27%) would reconsider a holiday if they were unable to post about it online.
Ajacent to content creation, the study highlights the rising role of AI in travel planning and execution. A third (31%) of respondents said they would be comfortable letting AI plan elements of their holiday, and 43% reported spending between one and five hours on their smartphone researching their next trip.
Tools such as real-time translation and AI assistants for itinerary preparation are now considered essential by young travellers, with Ollie Brown, Consumer Insights Analyst at Samsung New Zealand, noting, "It is interesting to see how phones are being used more like personal assistants for travel planning and travelling. With advanced AI technology and features in new phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Series, travellers can research destinations with ease, prepare bespoke itineraries using AI, and even translate foreign languages in real-time."
The preference for immersive cultural experiences is also notable: 66% of Gen MZ respondents value the local language and culture of destinations they visit, with 46% making efforts to learn basic phrases. In terms of tech preferences, 57% now favour sending photos from their phones over traditional postcards.
Japan has emerged as the most desirable travel destination for 2025 among Kiwis in this age group. The increased reliance on smart devices and AI for trip planning suggests a continued trend toward digitally mediated travel experiences in the years ahead.
As AI becomes further embedded in both the corporate sector and personal life, both business leaders and the next generation of consumers appear equally poised to harness its advantages – provided thoughtful leadership and responsible adoption guide the way.
