PremiumOpinionOpinion byBridget SnellingNZ Herald·20 Jun, 2026 04:00 AM5 mins to readBridget Snelling is the Country Manager of Xero New ZealandFor many small business owners, the promise of AI is less about technology itself and more about finding time to focus on customers, staff and growth. Photo / 123rf

When people talk about AI, the conversation often swings between hype and fear.For business owners, the reality is much more practical.

This isn’t about futuristic debates or abstract theories. For the cafe owner, tradie, retailer or consultant, the question is simple: can this technology save me time, help me