Digital capability of New Zealand businesses

New Zealand business digital insights 2026

Our research found that:

• Half (51%) of New Zealand businesses believe they would benefit from making greater use of digital tools or being more online. Businesses are particularly interested in strengthening their online presence through search engine optimisation, online advertising and digital marketing.
• Almost all businesses use digital and online tools to run and operate their business, and around half are currently using AI tools. More than half (56%) of businesses using digital and online tools for external purposes say these tools help generate some of their current revenue, turnover or sales.
• Businesses are looking for practical support to build their digital capability. Access to digital expertise and advice, short online courses and quick-start guides are the most commonly identified support needs, while return on investment, affordability, skills and choosing the right tools are the most commonly identified barriers to further digital adoption.

Published: May 2026, based on data collected during October 2025 to November 2025.

New Zealand business digital insights 2024

Our research found that:

• While overall digital tool usage and confidence has remained largely the same, there is an emerging digital divide — some businesses are seizing more digital opportunities and others are falling behind.
• Many businesses continue to believe cybersecurity is hindering their digital progress. Lack of time and knowledge to make the right digital choices also feature as barriers to digital adoption.
• To help build digital capability, the 2 top digital needs where businesses primarily seek support are:
  • choosing the most appropriate and affordable digital tools, and
  • digital marketing.

Published: May 2023, based on data collected during November 2023 to January 2024.

New Zealand business digital insights 2023

Our research found that:

• Half (52%) of all New Zealand businesses believe they would benefit from being more digital, a slight increase from 49% in the previous year.
• ‘Information security and fraud’ remains the most frequently identified barrier to further digital enablement by businesses. Two thirds of businesses experienced cybersecurity issues in the 12 months to March 2023, and half of all respondents stated that they regularly consider this threat as they run their business.
• Cost and value for money concerns have increased slightly amid ongoing challenging economic conditions. Because of these concerns, 48% of businesses are not as digitally enabled as they could be.

Published: May 2023, based on data collected during November 2022 to March 2023