AI could soon be worth billions of dollars a year to New Zealand

New research from Microsoft estimates it will contribute 3.4 billion annually to New Zealand's economy by 2035.

The report says much of the value will come from mobile and computer apps, and data centres -- like the one Microsoft recently opened in Auckland.

It says our political stability and plentiful renewable energy make us attractive for all-important venture capital funding.

But it also warns that we're lagging behind similar-sized countries on things like AI research, regulation, skills training, and start-up activity.