01
Get Ready
02
Streamline
03
Expand and Grow

Navigating the Evolving Landscape to

As your organisation’s use of data and AI evolves, a Centre of Excellence (CoE) helps embed intelligence at the core of how you operate. We work with you to build the internal capability to turn data into insight, and insight into action. This includes establishing the tools, talent, and processes needed to support smarter decision-making across the business.

We help you embed models directly into your core business processes – automating decisions, optimising operations, and enabling more responsive, intelligent services. With the right governance structures and platforms in place, your CoE becomes a central hub that not only accelerates innovation but ensures it’s managed responsibly, securely, and at scale.

Adoption in NZ,
The AI Imperative

Local research reveals that the vast majority of New Zealand businesses are seeing tangible benefits from AI, creating an urgent need for strategic adoption to maintain a competitive edge. The following data provides a snapshot of the current landscape and the clear imperative for action.
Competitor Risk
93% of NZ businesses report increased worker efficiency with AI.
Your competitors are already getting faster and more productive. Intelligent automation is no longer an option for market leaders; it is a fundamental requirement for operational excellence.
 Reclaim time to service
Workers could save an average of 275 hours per year.  
This equates to more than an hour saved every single workday for each employee. Imagine what your team could achieve with that reclaimed time—more innovation, better customer service, and greater strategic focus.
 Structured Safety Training
Only 13% of workers have received company-led AI training.
A significant skills gap exists between the availability of powerful AI tools and the ability of teams to use them effectively and safely. A partner who provides structured training and governance is essential to bridge this gap and unlock true value.
 Privacy, and compliance risks
72% of companies use pre-existing AI solutions, leading to a ‘BYOAI’ culture.  
The uncontrolled, employee-led adoption of various AI tools exposes your business to significant security, privacy, and compliance risks. A strategic, top-down approach to intelligent automation is needed to manage this risk and ensure alignment.

Where We
Deliver Impact

We help organisations unlock the full value of their data by building modern, scalable intelligence solutions on Microsoft and Databricks platforms. From creating a single source of truth to delivering predictive insights and AI-driven actions, we turn raw data into strategic advantage.

Whether you’re standing up a data foundation, scaling a Centre of Excellence, or embedding intelligence into daily operations, our work bridges strategy, governance, and execution. We deliver impact across analytics, reporting, and enterprise AI making your data work harder, smarter, and safer.

Your Dedicated Team, Without the Overhead

Need intelligent systems embedded into your business, but don’t want the overhead of building a dedicated team?

We design, manage, and maintain the intelligent components that keep your operations running smarter. From automations to embedded agents and governance.

Whether you’re streamlining processes or expanding intelligence across your core systems, we’ve got you covered.

Already building in-house? We partner with your internal makers, providing the strategy, governance, and hands-on support to accelerate development and scale with confidence. for clients, where this is core to their business model.

We monitor concept drift and data drift and rebuild the model regularity ensuring continuous optimisation of your product.

Common Use Cases

  • Sales and Operations Planning
  • Optimising Resource Allocation
  • Banking & Finance
  • Health & Safety – Accident Prediction
  • Retail & E-commerce
  • Agriculture
  • Energy Predictive Maintenance
  • Automated Incident Reporting
  • Dynamic Route Planning
  • Wellbeing Insights
  • Maximising Load Capacity

Specialist Expertise
for New Zealand’s
Leading Industries

Generic AI solutions rarely deliver optimal results. True value is unlocked when AI is applied with a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges, data, and regulatory environments. Our consultants combine technical expertise with domain knowledge across New Zealand’s key sectors to deliver solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also commercially relevant.

AI in Customer Service

Deploy AI in customer service with intelligent chatbots and virtual assistants to provide 24/7 support

AI in Financial Services

AI Solutions for the financial services sector with for real-time fraud and risk detection while reducing costs.  

AI in Energy

Implement AI solutions to forecast renewable energy generation and manage demand response.

AI in Supply Chain & Manufacturing

AI solutions for demand forecasting, inventory management, and predictive maintenance.

AI in the Modern office
and Workplace

Boost workplace productivity by integrating AI tools like Microsoft Copilot to automate repetitive tasks.

AI in Healthcare

Healthcare with AI-powered diagnostic tools that analyze medical images for early disease detection and predict surgical outcomes.

Frequently asked questions

Still have a questions in mind? contact us directly!

What makes Kōwhai different from other AI consultants in NZ?

We’re independent and technology-agnostic, meaning we recommend solutions that best fit your business, not the ones tied to vendor incentives. We also combine deep technical expertise with local industry knowledge and a strong focus on ethical, responsible AI.

How do I know if my business is ready for AI or intelligent automation?

Our AI Discovery Assessment helps you evaluate your current processes, data readiness, and potential use cases. This ensures your AI journey starts with a strong foundation and a clear roadmap. Try it here

What’s the difference between Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Intelligent Automation (IA)?

RPA automates simple, rule-based tasks, while IA combines RPA with AI and machine learning to handle complex, dynamic workflows. IA enables your systems to learn, adapt, and make decisions, not just execute instructions.

How do you ensure our AI systems are ethical and compliant?

We build AI governance frameworks that align with New Zealand regulations (like the Privacy Act 2020) and global best practices. Our approach addresses bias, transparency, and human oversight to help you deploy AI responsibly and sustainably.

Can you help us build internal AI capability?

Yes. Our goal isn’t to create dependency but to empower your team. We offer workshops, hands-on training, and detailed documentation so your staff can confidently manage and evolve your AI systems.

How quickly can we see ROI from intelligent automation?

Most clients see tangible results from initial pilot projects within 3–6 months. We focus on delivering early wins through high-impact, low-risk automations that build momentum for larger rollouts.