One New Zealand has released its AI Trust Report 2026: Sustainability Edition, surveying 1,001 New Zealanders. The report finds that 45% of respondents are concerned about the environmental impacts of AI, with 66% worried about electricity use, 51% about water consumption, 50% about e-waste, and 44% about carbon emissions. Younger people aged 18-24 show even higher concern at 63%. The research suggests businesses need to address sustainability alongside privacy and job displacement to maintain trust in AI. One NZ highlights its own steps, including an 83% reduction in AI-related carbon emissions by moving Salesforce Agentforce workloads from the United States to Sweden. The report also notes that public expectations are shifting from broad commitments to tangible actions, with respondents prioritizing renewable energy use, energy reduction, transparency, and independent audits. This signals that operational decisions around AI infrastructure and governance will be key for businesses scaling AI in New Zealand.
