The Influencers: Graeme Muller

Crucial for NZ economy

Digital adoption across sectors of the New Zealand economy has never been so crucial.

In the primary sector digital adoption is highest in business management tools and lowest in areas such as water and effluent management.

As environmental pressures increase, these technologies will be essential for helping farmers manage their environmental impact. Technologies such as sensors and the analysis of on-farm data will enable more rapid adaption of nutrient and water needs.

AgriTechNZ recently completed a study of more than 1000 farmers and growers to gain insight into digital adoption within the agriculture sector. It found that currently 41 percent of farmers and growers are not keen on digital technology. Despite a number of trailblazers across all sub-sectors and age groups, on the whole, the willingness to adopt early is lower than outside the primary sector. This will have to change as farmers grapple with climate change.

According to the Government’s advanced manufacturing industry transformation plan, this sector is our largest contributor to exports, however as more focus is being placed on manufacturing that is sustainable and circular with low emissions more digital technology is required.

There are great opportunities to improve manufacturing productivity and wages through investment in more advanced technologies such as Internet of Things and artificial intelligence driven automated processes.

Digital technology will help create a more sustainable manufacturing sector, and also the need for more people with digital skills.