Digital Journey's regional digital health checks released today show that only 37% of Kiwi businesses could operate 'anywhere' and 'anytime'.  

"Nearly 17 hectares of Wellington CBD office floor space was closed following the November earthquakes. That should act as a wake up call for businesses who aren't prepared for a worst case scenario," says Stuart Dillon-Roberts, General Manager of Digital Journey.

"Having a well thought-out emergency management and recovery plan is critical to ensure business continuity. Businesses adopting cloud based tools and using more mobile technologies are in a better position to survive and continue to operate following a disaster," said Mr Dillon-Roberts.

The purpose of the regional digital health checks is to understand how well businesses in each region are using the Internet, online tools and digital technology.  The health checks have been compiled using data gathered from almost 5,000 New Zealand businesses and individuals who have completed Digital Journey's free online digital assessments. 

Regional health checks have been compiled for the Northland, Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago regions.  Other findings include:

• On average, Auckland and Wellington businesses have a higher 'digital maturity' and make more use of the Internet in their operations and marketing than businesses in other regions. 
• 41% of businesses advertise online.
• Increasingly businesses are using social media to engage with customers, but only 22% feel they receive 'great value' from it. 
• 43% of businesses use cloud based storage for data and/or backups.
  
• 46% use cloud based software for managing accounting/finance.

"These are the first of what we intend to become annual digital health checks on how businesses in each region are performing in the digital world.  Every region has some businesses with excellent digital maturity, but most have a long way to go.  We're using our free online digital assessments and the digital health checks to raise awareness of what businesses need to work on to improve their digital maturity, and motivate them to make changes", said Mr Dillon-Roberts. 

"Independent research shows that businesses who have high use of the Internet are on average 74% more productive than businesses with low Internet use", said Mr Dillon-Roberts.     

Copies of each regional digital health check are attached at the bottom of this article.

For more information or comment contact:

Stuart Dillon-Roberts
General Manager, Digital Journey
stuart@digitaljourney.org / 021 270 0686

About Digital Journey

Digital Journey works with individuals, businesses and organisations of all types across New Zealand. We provide FREE online digital assessments and resources, as well as training, coaching and project management services.

Our vision is to help everyone get the most out of the Internet, online tools and digital technology.

Find out more at www.digitaljourney.org.