AUCKLAND, Today: Kiwis are showing up on TikTok in huge numbers, joining over a billion global users who connect, share passions, and get inspired. Nearly two million locals and 60,000 businesses now use it to spark creativity and grow.
Creators across Aotearoa span whānau storytellers, podcasters, comedians, food lovers, musicians, and small business owners, all bringing their own flavour to feeds and building communities around what they love.
Unlike traditional platforms, TikTok runs on interests rather than connections. That means people discover skills, hobbies, brands, and creators they’d never usually come across, while businesses find new audiences and fans.
With more than a third of New Zealanders on the app, it’s become a serious growth tool for brands of all sizes looking to reach customers in authentic ways.
Amy Bradshaw, General Manager for Global Business Solutions at TikTok Australia and New Zealand, said on average over the last three years, the number of local businesses on the platform had grown by close to 50% each year.
“From entrepreneurs to iconic New Zealand companies marketing their brand to the world, businesses of all shapes and sizes are tapping into popular trends and culture on TikTok. They don’t need a marketing team or big budget to start reaching new customers on our platform, they just need a mobile phone and some authentic content,” said Bradshaw.
Hamilton florist Gail Jones joined three years ago to keep her six-decade business thriving. Her ‘Floral Tips with Gail’ videos have since hit more than 4.6 million views with practical flower hacks.
“From entrepreneurs to iconic New Zealand companies marketing their brand to the world, businesses of all shapes and sizes are tapping into popular trends and culture on TikTok.” – Amy Bradshaw, General Manager for Global Business Solutions at TikTok Australia and New Zealand
“I first thought, ‘I’m too old for this’, but it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. Not only am I promoting my business, but I’m sharing my love of flowers with the world,” said Gail Jones.
Teen entrepreneur Jacqueline Jiang also turned creativity into commerce, launching House of Berry after spotting a gap for fun matcha flavours and using TikTok to share her startup journey and boost sales.
As usage grows, the platform has become a global stage for Kiwi culture, showcasing creativity, celebrating Māori identity, and sharing Aotearoa stories worldwide.
There are now 4.1 million #nz posts, including 739,000 in the past year alone. Meanwhile, #haka clips have reached six billion views globally.
Sport thrives there too. About 85% of Kiwi fans use TikTok as a second screen during live matches, while teams like the All Blacks and Warriors attract massive followings.
Creators such as Louis Davis, Jordyn Fuala’au Awatea Rapana, and Xixi Amethyst are among those building loyal audiences by sharing their passions with the world.
To mark the milestone, a TikTok Loves Local event runs 8–10am today, 17 February, at One Queen Street in Auckland, celebrating creators and businesses powering communities and the economy.
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