The MBIE AI Advisory Pilot is a government co-funding programme for New Zealand small businesses. It covers up to 50% of AI advisory costs, capped at $15,000 per business. The pilot has been extended to run until 31 January 2027, and now supports up to 150 businesses, up from 50.
The funding itself is delivered through the Regional Business Partner Network (RBPN), not through independent providers. If you want the co-funding, your local Regional Business Partner is the contact point.
This page covers what the pilot pays for, who qualifies, and where an independent AI provider like Dear John fits in (and where it doesn’t).
What the Pilot Covers
- Co-funding up to 50%, capped at $15,000 per business
- Money goes toward building an AI plan tailored to the business, its workers and its customers
- Delivered through the Regional Business Partner Network’s 15 regional providers
- Runs until 31 January 2027 (extended from the original June 2026 end date)
- Capacity raised from 50 to 150 businesses after strong demand
Who Qualifies
- New Zealand-registered business
- Fewer than 250 staff
- Operating for at least 12 months
- No outstanding compliance issues with IRD or WorkSafe
- Already an existing customer of the Regional Business Partner Network
How the Funding Actually Works
The pilot is delivered through the Regional Business Partner Network (RBPN), not through independent providers. If you want the co-funding itself, your local Regional Business Partner is the contact point, not a private consultant.
That’s a different thing from getting AI advice generally. You can start on an AI plan with an independent provider any time, funded or not. If you’re weighing up AI tools before any funding conversation, our guide to AI tools for small business covers where NZ businesses typically start.
FAQ
How much AI funding can my NZ business get?
Up to 50% of AI advisory costs, capped at $15,000 per business, through the MBIE AI Advisory Pilot.
Do I need to already work with a Regional Business Partner?
Yes. The pilot is only open to existing Regional Business Partner Network customers. That’s the first requirement to sort out, before the funding application.
Is the MBIE AI Advisory Pilot still open in 2026?
Yes. The pilot launched in January 2026 and has been extended to run until 31 January 2027, with capacity raised to 150 businesses.
What can the funding be used for?
Developing an AI plan tailored to your business, your workers and your customers, delivered through the Regional Business Partner Network.
Is Dear John part of the AI Advisory Pilot?
No. The pilot is delivered through the Regional Business Partner Network, not through independent providers like Dear John.
Can I work with Dear John instead of going through the pilot?
Yes. You don’t need to register with a Regional Business Partner or wait on an assessment. You just get started. If speed matters more than the subsidy, that’s often the simpler route.
Does Dear John NZ apply for the MBIE AI Advisory Pilot on my behalf?
No. The MBIE AI Advisory Pilot runs through the Regional Business Partner Network, not Dear John NZ. What Dear John NZ can help with is figuring out what’s worth automating first, that part does not depend on the funding outcome.
https://beehive.govt.nz/release/new-pilot-helps-small-businesses-harness-ai
(juli 2026)
