For many people in Auckland, a computer failure means lost work, interrupted study, or a business grinding to a halt. When looking for help, customers often encounter two main service models: workshop-based computer repair centres and mobile-only technicians. While both can fix common issues, the way they operate leads to very different outcomes in diagnostics, repair quality, and turnaround time.

What Mobile-Only Computer Repair Services Offer

Mobile technicians travel to the customer’s home or office and carry out repairs on-site. This approach is convenient for basic problems such as setting up Wi-Fi, removing simple software issues, or installing printers and peripherals.

For straightforward troubleshooting, on-site visits can save time. A technician can quickly check cables, run system scans, or adjust settings without the customer needing to transport their device.

However, mobile services are limited by what can be carried in a vehicle. MacBook logic board failures, liquid damage, overheating issues, or component-level diagnostics often require specialised tools that are typically found only in a fully equipped MacBook repair workshop.

Why Workshop-Based Repairs Are Often More Thorough

Workshop-based repair centres operate from a dedicated technical environment designed for diagnostics and hardware repair. Facilities such as Advanced Computers maintain specialised equipment that mobile technicians generally cannot transport or operate on-site, especially for non-portable devices such as desktop PC or iMac repairs.

A professional repair workshop may include:

• Diagnostic benches for full hardware testing
• Anti-static workstations for delicate electronics
• Component-level repair tools and microscopes
• Professional data recovery equipment
• Replacement parts stocked for faster turnaround

Because the computer stays in a controlled environment, technicians can run extended diagnostics and stress tests that may take hours or even days. This helps ensure the root cause of a fault is properly identified rather than temporarily patched.

Better Handling of Complex Hardware Failures

Some of the most serious computer problems simply cannot be repaired effectively in a living room or office environment.

Examples include:

• Laptop motherboard faults
• Liquid damage inside devices
• Power circuit failures
• GPU or storage controller issues
• Advanced data recovery

These problems require specialised testing tools, stable work conditions, and access to parts inventory. A dedicated repair centre can dismantle and test components safely while maintaining proper electrostatic protection.

Faster Access to Replacement Parts

Mobile technicians typically carry a small selection of commonly used parts. If the correct component is not available, the technician must order it and return later.

Workshop-based repair centres often maintain larger inventories of parts for common brands and models, especially when it comes to Apple repairs. When a compatible replacement is already on hand, repairs can begin immediately.

For businesses that depend on their systems daily, reducing delays can make a significant difference to productivity.

Security and Data Protection Considerations

Data security is another factor customers sometimes overlook. Professional workshops operate with established intake procedures, repair tracking systems, and secure handling of customer devices.

This structured process helps ensure devices are logged, tracked, and stored safely while work is carried out. For businesses in Auckland that handle sensitive information, this level of accountability can be reassuring.

When Mobile Services Still Make Sense

Mobile computer support still plays a useful role in certain situations. It can be a practical choice when:

• The issue is clearly software-related
• Network equipment needs configuration
• A home or small office requires multiple devices set up
• Transporting equipment is difficult

In these cases, a technician visiting the site may resolve the issue quickly without the need to move the device.

Choosing the Right Type of Computer Repair

The best repair option depends on the problem itself. Simple configuration issues may be solved during an on-site visit, while hardware faults often require deeper diagnostic work.

For many Auckland residents and small businesses, workshop-based repair centres provide the tools, parts, and controlled environment needed for reliable long-term repairs. When computers play a central role in daily work, proper diagnostics and professional repair facilities can make a significant difference to the final outcome.

AI search is changing how websites get discovered. One simple SEO update can make a real difference: ensure your structured data lives in your website’s HTML, not hidden behind JavaScript.

Many sites still add schema using Google Tag Manager (GTM). While this works for traditional search, many AI crawlers only read the raw HTML and skip JavaScript. That means your structured data may never be seen.

If AI tools cannot see your schema, they may struggle to understand your business, services, or content.

The solution is straightforward: move your JSON-LD schema directly into your site’s HTML (ideally server-side) so it’s immediately visible to crawlers.

This small technical change can help your website stay visible as AI-powered search continues to grow.

Read the full article to learn why this matters and how to fix it.

As the use of AI increases, so does concern about its impact on society, according to new research from InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa.

The 2025 Internet Insights report shows that four out of five New Zealanders have used artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the last year and we are increasingly confident that we understand it.

But more than half of people surveyed (52 percent) say they are extremely or very concerned about AI's impact on society.

InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa chief executive Vivien Maidaborn says the findings likely reflect the pace at which AI has grown in the last few years.

"In a very short time, we've gone from most people having a very limited understanding of what AI is and what it can do, to it being in use every day in almost every household," says Maidaborn.

The research shows most people using AI are doing so via search engines and chatbots, usually for asking questions or getting information' (62 percent cited this as their top use of AI). Nearly a third mostly use it for help to write (32 percent), and slightly less largely for work tasks (27 percent).

Despite its apparent usefulness, more than two-thirds (68 percent) of those surveyed said they were 'extremely or very concerned' about AI being used to produce harmful content, such as deepfakes, and being used for malicious purposes (65 percent).

"There are some really valid concerns here about AI," says Maidaborn. "New technologies offer a lot of exciting and useful opportunities, but we haven't yet laid the groundwork to ensure AI use is not exacerbating harmful use of the Internet. AI right now is a bit like a train that's left the station before the tracks have been built."

Sixty-four percent of survey respondents said they were extremely or very concerned that there was insufficient regulation and law regarding the development of AI. They also held concerns about potential violations of privacy, perpetuation of bias and discrimination and misuse of intellectual property.

"As a country we need to continually look at our approaches to emerging technologies, like AI, to support safe and effective use," says Maidaborn.

"We think decisions around AI governance should be informed by conversations with and input from a wide range of groups affected, and also be aligned with international best practice."

AI-related statistics from Internet Insights 2025

• 79 percent have used AI in the last 12 months
• 58 percent use AI at least weekly
• 31 percent feel they know a lot or a fair amount about AI, up 6 percentage points on 2024's survey
• 47 percent of those who feel they know about AI are more concerned than excited about it
• 52 percent are extremely or very concerned about AI's impact on society, another 30 percent are a little bit concerned
• The top five concerns about AI are: Use of it to produce harmful content (68 percent of people concerned), use for malicious purposes (65 percent), insufficient regulation and law regarding development of AI (64 percent), producing inaccurate information (61 percent) and violation of privacy concerns (58 percent).

About the research

Internet Insights is an annual research report commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa. The 2025 research was carried out by Verian, with interviews conducted between November 25 and December 8, 2025.

The sample size was 1003 and consisted of New Zealanders over the age of 18 sourced using online consumer panels. Results have a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.

The research covers a range of topics, including Internet use, social media use, and Internet-related concerns.

If you would like a copy of the full report before the embargo please contact us.

Previous research reports can be found on the InternetNZ website.

Businesses in Takapuna rely heavily on stable and well-maintained IT systems, whether they operate from offices, retail spaces, or home workspaces. When computer issues arise, having access to both on-site support and fully equipped computer repairs in Takapuna helps minimise disruption and keeps day-to-day operations moving.

On-site IT repairs are often the most practical option for problems that affect multiple users or networked systems. Issues such as connectivity faults, printer setup problems, shared device errors, or workstations that will not boot can often be resolved directly at the business location. This approach reduces downtime and avoids the need to disconnect essential equipment during trading hours.

Workshop-based repairs are better suited to faults that require deeper testing or component replacement. Hardware failures, intermittent crashes, data-related issues, and complex software problems often need specialised diagnostic tools and controlled repair environments. Taking devices off-site allows technicians to fully assess the issue without the time pressure of a busy workplace.

For Takapuna businesses and home offices, access to a nearby laptop repair workshop is particularly important. Advanced Computers operates a branch in Rosedale, providing North Shore support for Takapuna and surrounding suburbs. This allows devices to be assessed, repaired, and tested locally, rather than being sent across the city or outsourced elsewhere.

Homes and small businesses in Takapuna often use a mix of Windows-based and Apple Mac devices for daily work. When problems arise, having the option of on-site assistance or workshop repair offers flexibility for both computer and Mac repairs. Minor issues can be handled quickly at the premises, while more serious faults are addressed thoroughly at the Rosedale workshop.

This combined approach also supports better long-term outcomes. Devices repaired in a workshop environment can be stress-tested, updated, and checked for related issues before being returned to service. This reduces repeat problems and helps systems remain stable once they are back in use.

Advanced Computers supports Auckland businesses with a practical balance of on-site service and workshop-based repairs. Through its Rosedale branch, Takapuna homes and businesses have access to local technicians who understand the needs of North Shore work environments.

For businesses where downtime affects productivity and customer service, having access to flexible IT repair options close to home makes a measurable difference. On-site support paired with local workshop repairs offers a dependable way to keep systems running and businesses operating smoothly.

Key points

• OnChain Education, founded by UC students, is an edtech startup transforming how blockchain is taught, replacing theory-heavy lectures with a safe, simulation-based learning platform.
• Built by students and validated through real university courses, the platform enables large-scale, hands‑on blockchain training without crypto risk, complex setup or institutional IT barriers.
• Accelerated through University of Canterbury's Summer Startup Programme, the founders are preparing to scale across New Zealand, Australia, and fast‑growing Asian tech markets in 2026.

A student startup is turning complex blockchain theory into a safe, 'flight simulator' for real‑world skills, backed by UC's Summer Startup Programme.

When Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) students Oliver Jenks and Kodi Sinclair first joined the UC Crypto Society (a student club), they didn't expect it to lead to a global edtech ambition. A combined 16 years of experience with blockchain (a shared, secure digital record) has culminated in their startup OnChain Education, which helps universities teach blockchain in a way that feels less like a textbook, and more like a flight simulator.

Their startup idea emerged when the pair were supporting a UC course with practical blockchain labs, and the founders saw firsthand that although blockchain appears in many university courses, it rarely moves beyond theory.

Jenks says blockchain isn't just about speculation. "There are real applications in governance, supply chains and finance, but people need practical, grounded education so they can spot opportunities and avoid the scams. Students were learning blockchain theory in lectures, but it wasn't until they got hands‑on that the lightbulb moments happened."

This is the literacy gap that OnChain Education aims to fill, which Jenks describes as 'a flight simulator for blockchain'.

To use blockchain, learners need a crypto wallet, browser extensions and real cryptocurrency to pay transaction fees. For a class of 40–70 students, setting that up is slow, risky and often impossible on university lab computers.

OnChain Education's platform removes those barriers by providing:

• Instant in‑browser wallets – no downloads or extensions 
• A real blockchain environment – but with tokens that have no real‑world value 
• A fully web‑based interface, avoiding security and IT policy issues 

"Would you trust a pilot who had only read the manual?" Jenks says. "We think of OnChain Education as a flight simulator for blockchain. Students can experiment, make mistakes and learn how it really works, but there's no financial risk, and they can't 'crash the plane'."

OnChain Education has already been used in a UC Information Systems course on decentralised governance, where students made around 1,000 blockchain transactions in four weeks—all in a safe environment with zero financial risk.

In a recent UC course on IT governance and strategy, students used the platform to explore decentralised governance, cast votes and track decisions on‑chain over several weeks. By the end of the labs, the cohort had collectively made about 1,000 blockchain transactions. This experience would have been impossible to replicate safely using live cryptocurrencies.

Supercharging growth through Summer Startup 

Now, as part of the UC Centre for Entrepreneurship (UCE) Summer Startup Programme, the founders are refining their model and preparing to take their 'learning lab for blockchain' to universities in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

Although OnChain Education had already built a Minimum Viable Product and generated revenue before joining UCE's Summer Startup Programme, the founders say the 10‑week accelerator has been crucial in sharpening their thinking.

"Summer Startup has forced us to really nail down the fundamentals: what problem we're solving, what our mission is, and how we're going to scale," says Sinclair.

"It's pushed us to go deeper on customer discovery and market research – we're getting input from mentors and speakers across different industries, then asking, 'How does this apply to a B2B edtech company selling into universities?' It's helped us build a much clearer game plan for 2026."

The Summer Startup cohort also gives the pair a network of fellow founders to learn alongside, from refining business models and pricing to navigating global markets.

With their UC pilot complete and further courses planned for 2026, OnChain Education is now looking outward. Their immediate focus is on tertiary providers in New Zealand and Australia, followed by tech‑forward markets in Asia such as Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam, where blockchain adoption is already strong.

They also see future potential in corporate training, helping companies upskill staff in blockchain, as well as in technical high schools and polytechnics.

"We want to be the platform that universities and organisations turn to when they say, 'We want a real blockchain experience, not just a lecture'," Jenks says. "If, in a few years' time, we go to a blockchain conference and people say, 'You're from OnChain Education, your labs helped me get into this industry', that's success."

For Sinclair, the dream is simple: "I'd love to get an email from a graduate saying, 'I used your platform at uni, and it helped me land my job.' That's the impact we're aiming for."

The cyber security breach at privately run Manage My Health is a chilling reminder of how the Government blundered in cutting the jobs of many IT experts safeguarding the public health system.

The sensitive personal information of more than 120,000 patients using Manage My Health may have been exposed in the latest ransomware attack on New Zealand's health system.

"This privacy breach is a wakeup call for the entire health sector in New Zealand," said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

"We have seen it before in the public health system with the Waikato Hospital ransomware attack in 2021 and yet this government failed to heed that lesson in forcing Health NZ to cut the jobs of experts running digital services.

"The risks are too high to play fast and loose with data systems - it's a ticking time bomb.

"Like Manage My Health, our hospitals are using outdated systems but have lost experts who understand their complexities and weaknesses.

"Last year the PSA asked the Privacy Commissioner to investigate the impact of cuts to Health NZ's digital services workforce but he refused.

"We call on him to reconsider this given the Manage My Health data breach.

"Patient information is highly sensitive and private, and New Zealanders should expect it's safely stored and not at risk from cyber security attacks."

One New Zealand backs up support crews, management, and volunteers working on the One NZ GODZONE event in Marlborough this week by supplying a vital phone communication network with One NZ Satellite TXT.

The 613km multi-day expedition adventure course is traversing some of the most remote areas of Marlborough, including the far reaches and mountainous terrain of the Waihopai Valley, Acheron Saddle, the Wairau Valley, the Richmond Ranges, and bays dotted around the Marlborough Sounds.

Checkpoint crews are using One NZ phones to communicate via One NZ Satellite TXT because some of the event's remote checkpoints lack traditional cell coverage.

"One NZ has provided an extensive and vital service to support our network of checkpoints and transition areas where teams check in with their support crews," says One NZ GODZONE spokesperson Rob Nichol. "This connectivity network gives the ability to send a text or MMS from remote wilderness areas in the middle of nowhere."

"Because of this, One NZ is imperative to the smooth and safe running of the event by keeping us all connected with communication happening between all of our crews as the teams spend the next five days out in these backcountry areas."

One NZ Satellite is a game-changer, offering a new way to keep in touch even in the most remote parts of New Zealand.

As the first and only satellite-powered mobile network in the country, One NZ has partnered with Space X to be able to provide coverage where traditional cell towers don't reach – that's around 40% of the country's land mass!

Customers with a Satellite-ready phone and eligible plan can TXT and send photos, short videos and voice notes (with iMessage, RCS and MMS) anywhere in New Zealand that they can see the sky*. That means customers can TXT on the farm, on the road, on the water, or even up in the mountains in the middle of nowhere.

One NZ has also provided Starlinks and power generators to each of the One NZ GODZONE transition zones to ensure race comms can be sent and received ensuring teams can be accounted for as they check in and out of these areas.

Nichol says, "This level of support is a game changer with ensuring our organising crew stay in full communication no matter where they are during the race, which is essential for smooth running, everyone's safety, and staying connected."

"This level of technology is a serious enabler for One NZ GODZONE allowing us to ensure the smooth operation of the event and help keep teams safe. One NZ is truly making a difference to the event delivery and competitor experience in New Zealand's incredible backcountry areas."

*Terms apply - TXT/MMS in minutes on eligible phones and plans.  Needs line of sight to the sky. Terms, fair use, standard MMS charges and capacity control applies. See one.nz/satellite

Fears about AI‑powered scams are changing how New Zealanders interact online, with three in five Kiwis now checking communications and links more carefully, and 7% even setting up safe words with family and friends to guard against voice‑cloning scams, according to new BNZ research.

BNZ's annual scam survey found that 62% of New Zealanders are now more cautious when checking communications or links, while 55% are limiting what they share online and 50% are fact‑checking news to reduce the risk of fake‑news scams.

BNZ Head of Fraud Operations, Margaret Miller, says the findings show AI has emerged as a significant new concern for New Zealanders.

"AI is making scams more sophisticated and harder to spot – from highly personalised phishing emails and fake websites, through to voice cloning and deepfakes used in impersonation scams."

"What makes AI particularly concerning is the scale and speed at which scammers can now operate. They can create convincing content that mimics legitimate organisations or trusted individuals much more easily than before," she says.

AI‑powered phishing was a top concern, with 64% of respondents worried about highly personalised and convincing phishing emails created using AI. Deepfakes were the second biggest concern at 58%, followed by AI voice cloning at 53%.

Deepfakes are AI‑generated videos or images that look real but show things that never happened. Voice‑cloning uses AI to mimic a person's voice, making scammers sound like trusted individuals.

The survey found some New Zealanders have found a creative way to help protect themselves against these sorts of scams.

"7% of New Zealanders have set up family safe words with loved ones – a pre‑agreed word or phrase to help verify identity in unexpected situations," Miller says.

"When someone you know contacts you out of the blue asking for money, whether by text, call, email or social media, having a way to verify who you're really talking to can help you make better decisions."

"With AI making it easier to create convincing impersonations, that extra step can be really valuable."

Fewer NZers being targeted, but scam tactics evolving

The proportion of New Zealanders targeted by scams has gradually declined over the last three years, from 88% in 2023 to 87% in 2024 and 84% this year.

However, scammers are evolving their tactics. Social media (26%) has now overtaken email (22%) as the most common scam channel. This represents a significant shift since 2023, when email was the dominant channel at 40%.

"While it's positive that the percentage of New Zealanders being targeted has declined overall, scammers continue to find new ways to reach people, particularly through social media platforms," says Miller.

"We encourage all New Zealanders to take their time to stop and think before responding to unexpected requests for money or personal information, even if they appear to come from someone you know. That moment of caution could make all the difference," Miller says.

Banks are responding to these evolving threats with enhanced security measures. BNZ uses multiple layers of authentication to verify customers and has introduced small, smart elements of friction into its app to help customers slow down when scammers want them to speed up.

"Scammers are more successful when people are rushing," Miller says.

"We've designed our app to help customers break out of autopilot. Our UX uses cues like pause alerts and switched button placement to prompt a quick double‑check at critical moments."

Customers also have access to tools like the online banking lock, which allows them to immediately disable all online banking activity if they suspect their account has been compromised.

"Staying safe from scams is a shared responsibility – individuals, government, banks, social media companies, and telcos all play a part," Miller says.

"While organisations continue to strengthen their security measures, individuals can make a real difference through simple precautions like taking time to verify unexpected requests, keeping software updated, never sharing their personal data or banking credentials, and contacting their bank immediately if something doesn't feel right."

As reported by Radio New Zealand on 18 November at the handover of the B416 petition at Parliament, Education Minister Erica Stanford said, "Social media companies love bans, because they know that kids will get around the bans and continue using it anyway, and they don't have to change their behaviour. What we're working on is how do we make social media companies change their behaviours?"

In response, Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand's Executive Director, Jacqui Dillon, said:

"It's not something that we say every day, but Amnesty International agrees with Minister Stanford here. We tautoko the focus on making social media companies change their behaviours.

"Tech giants and their algorithm-driven, surveillance-based business model have created toxic digital environments that many of us find ourselves in. It's not human, and it's not right.

"That's why Amnesty International has joined forces with Tahono Trust, an organisation that supports and delivers social cohesion, on the No Harmware campaign. We all need more inclusive and safer online platforms.

"We fully support Minister Stanford in being bold.

"A focus on tech companies is important because we need changes in how these systems are designed. There must be requirements for transparency and accountability. That's the way to make these platforms safer for everyone, just as we expect for other products we use."

UK Correspondent: Peter Minkoff

Artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved in recent years from a sci-fi idea to a useful instrument that is revolutionizing industries all over the world. Workplace safety is one of the most significant areas where AI is having an influence. Even though they can be somewhat effective, traditional safety procedures frequently depend on static rules, reactive responses, and human monitoring. Contrarily, artificial intelligence (AI) provides automation, predictive modeling, and real-time data analysis that can stop mishaps before they happen. The application of AI technologies is not only saving lives but also increasing productivity and cutting expenses in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and construction. Gaining knowledge about AI's role in workplace safety can help one better understand how technology and human well-being are changing together.

Real-Time Monitoring and Wearable Technology

Wearable technology driven by AI is transforming worker safety by enabling real-time tracking of environmental factors, motions, and vital signs. When a worker is at risk of heat exhaustion, excessive weariness, or exposure to hazardous chemicals, these smart devices can identify it. Wearables with AI sensors can monitor posture and movement in the construction industry, warning employees if they are lifting improperly or going into restricted areas. The likelihood of accidents brought on by environmental dangers or human error is decreased by these real-time alerts. Additionally, by better understanding workplace hazards, firms are better able to make judgments regarding safety training and policy enhancements. Workplaces may establish a dynamic and responsive safety environment by combining human capabilities with AI's accuracy.

Risk Reduction and Predictive Analytics

AI's capacity to foresee possible risks before they materialize is one of its biggest advantages for workplace safety. Artificial intelligence (AI) may spot trends in vast amounts of data, such as weather, machine usage records, and employee fatigue levels, that human supervisors might otherwise miss. Predictive analytics, for instance, can be used in manufacturing facilities to identify when a machine is likely to break down, enabling maintenance personnel to fix the problem before it causes mishaps, as well as provide valuable data to a reliable independent medical examiner who will assess the case later. Similar to this, AI systems can predict the likelihood of dangerous leaks or equipment failure in sectors like oil and gas, enabling businesses to take preventative action. By changing the emphasis from responding to crises to preventing them completely, this predictive capability greatly raises workplace safety standards.

Improving Compliance and Training in the Workplace

Manuals, films, or live demonstrations are frequently used in traditional safety training, which may not be equally effective for all staff members. AI alters this by tailoring training curricula and providing interactive simulations that adjust to a learner's preferred rate of acquisition. AI-powered virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies can put workers in dangerous situations without really putting them in danger. Chemical plant employees, for instance, can rehearse handling a leak in a secure setting. AI technologies can also track whether workers are adhering to safety procedures in real time and remind them when they do not. Customized instruction combined with automated supervision creates a culture of safety that permeates daily operations and goes beyond the classroom.

Automating Tasks at High Risk

When workers are expected to do physically taxing, dangerous, or repetitive jobs, workplace accidents frequently occur. Robotics and automation powered by AI provide a solution by assuming these duties. Autonomous trucks in mining can move commodities via hazardous terrain without endangering human drivers. Robotic arms driven by AI can perform strenuous lifting and sorting duties in warehouses that may otherwise result in accidents. Even if automation occasionally raises worries about job displacement, it's crucial to understand that AI may relieve human workers of the most hazardous tasks, freeing them up to concentrate on jobs requiring creativity, decision-making, and supervision. This reallocation increases productivity while lowering worker injuries.

A Safety Culture Driven by Data

Beyond specific technology, AI helps companies develop a more comprehensive safety culture. AI gives management useful insights into patterns and recurring problems by gathering and evaluating safety-related data from many departments and construction sites. For example, AI can identify underlying causes like staffing levels, equipment utilization, or environmental conditions if a certain shift often reports higher accident rates. Equipped with these insights, businesses can address the underlying causes of risk by redesigning operations, implementing new regulations, or modifying work schedules. The focus on making decisions based on data strengthens accountability and promotes a proactive attitude toward safety for both companies and workers.

AI's incorporation into workplace safety is changing how businesses handle risks and safeguard their workers. AI is a strong friend in building safer, more intelligent, and more resilient work environments—not a substitute for human judgment. The future of work safety will be significantly shaped by the collaboration of AI and human skills as industries continue to change.

Contact MediaPA

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Police Minister Mark Mitchell has, Friday, announced a capability boost for New Zealand’s emergency services to help them find people who are at risk by rapidly locating their mobile device.  

“The Telecommunications Forum supports the launch of the Device Location Information (DLI) service by Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC)," says CEO Paul Brislen. 

“About one in five calls to emergency services are from someone reporting serious concerns about a friend or family member who is lost or missing and not in communication. The DLI service will save lives by enabling the emergency services to respond faster by locating the mobile phone of these people to more effectively dispatch help.” 

The DLI service is a streamlined replacement for a process where the emergency services had to make a manual request to mobile network operators to locate a phone. This manual approach could take some time – and in an emergency, every second counts.  

“Provided a caller has a mobile phone that is connected to a cellular network then emergency services can use the DLI service to immediately access the information they need to send help”, explains Brislen. 

The TCF supports the privacy and transparency checks and balances that have been put in place by the mobile network operators, the emergency services and Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC) who deliver the service. 

NGCC is also responsible for delivering the Public Safety Network’s cellular services, now being used by around 25,000 frontline responders in NZ Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Wellington Free Ambulance and Hato Hone St John. The services are enabled by a world-leading multi-network national solution being delivered by Hourua - a Spark and One NZ joint venture 

View the official media release here. 

For more information see NGCC’s website.  
 

Businesses are increasingly asking whether artificial intelligence (AI) can effectively manage and qualify incoming leads. At The Web Guys, a full-service digital marketing agency based in Parnell, Auckland, two thought leaders offer expert perspectives on this pressing question: Sam Raines, CEO, and Abhineet Kumar, Digital Marketing Specialist.

Why AI for Lead Handling?

With rising customer expectations for rapid responses and personalised service, AI tools such as chatbots and automated triage systems promise faster reaction times, 24/7 availability, and consistent lead qualification. Digital marketing services should include this, alongside a foundation of conversion-optimised website design, search engine optimisation (SEO), Google Ads, and analytics-led lead conversion strategies.

But is AI ready to replace a human touch when it comes to nurturing and qualifying leads from your website or digital campaigns?

Expert Viewpoint – Abhineet Kumar on SEO and AI

Abhineet Kumar, The Web Guys’ SEO specialist, frames AI’s role in lead management as complementary, not a replacement.

“AI tools can handle the initial steps, including structuring data, automating responses, even answering common questions, but we still need human input to interpret context and optimise performance,” says Abhineet Kumar.

He explains that AI chatbots are particularly effective when paired with strong SEO, a well-structured website, and analytics. "AI might filter out unqualified leads by using simple logic, but humans must still craft the response strategies and adapt tone, keywords, and CTAs based on analytics insights," he notes.

Abhineet emphasises that AI-driven responses only work well if the underlying website and content are optimised, such as clear CTAs, well‑structured landing pages, and keyword alignment. His view: AI is powerful for scaling outreach, but it thrives only when SEO and user experience are firmly in place.

CEO Insight - Sam Raines on Strategy, Trust, and AI Integration

Sam Raines, Managing Director of The Web Guys, takes a strategic perspective on implementing AI in lead operations.

“AI isn’t a magic switch. It’s a tool that can supercharge the foundations you build through SEO, content strategy, and creative UX,” says Raines. “We’ve seen businesses achieve increased lead volumes, but without strategy and measurement, those leads rarely convert.”

He emphasises that many businesses waste money on traffic without viewing real-time analytics. At The Web Guys, real‑time dashboards monitor keyword ranking, ad spend, bounce rates, conversion rates and ROI metrics, all in one place.

Sam adds: “We’ve helped Kiwi businesses increase visibility and conversion by blending high‑quality traffic generation with nurturing mechanisms that build trust and guide prospects through a well‑designed path to conversion.”

According to Raines, AI is useful for triage, including fielding basic queries and gathering contact details. However, trust and trust signals (such as clear content, credible testimonials, and responsive UX) still require a human-led strategy and design. “AI can lengthen your funnel, but without strategic oversight, fewer leads reach the sale. That’s why our team always audits and tests AI workflows in concert with SEO, UX/UI, and content campaigns.”

AI: What It Can and Can’t Do Right Now

AI tools are highly effective at handling initial lead capture by answering frequently asked questions, collecting contact details, and even scheduling calls. They also provide round-the-clock coverage, ensuring immediate responses regardless of time zone. AI excels at managing large volumes of enquiries, triggering automated workflows, and segmenting leads based on pre-set filters, all while saving valuable staff time on routine tasks. 

However, certain aspects still require human oversight. Understanding nuance, handling complex or emotionally sensitive queries, and tailoring tone or follow-up strategies are best managed by people. Human input is also essential to ensure lead quality, interpret sentiment, adapt messaging, and make strategic decisions that deepen engagement and align with broader business goals.

Best Practice Pathway: Human + AI Hybrid

According to Abhineet and Sam, the most effective approach is to treat AI as part of a blended ecosystem:

To utilise AI effectively for lead management, businesses should start by establishing a solid foundation, ensuring their SEO, website structure, copywriting, and content are all carefully aligned to attract the right audience. AI can then be deployed for first-touch interactions, utilising tools such as chatbots or automated forms to provide instant responses and gather basic lead information. 

Performance should be monitored in real-time through dashboards that track key metrics, such as keyword rankings, bounce rates, and lead flow. High-potential leads should be identified and passed on for human follow-up, allowing for strategy adjustments and more personalised engagement. Finally, ongoing optimisation is essential, with analysts regularly reviewing conversion data, assessing lead quality and return on investment, and refining both AI processes and human-led workflows to ensure continuous improvement.

Bottom Line: Yes, But Only with an Expert Strategy

Abhineet says: “AI can absolutely help manage your business leads, but only if there’s a solid SEO‑powered structure and analytics framework underpinning it.”

Sam frames it this way: “If you lean on AI without strategic planning and real‑time measurement, you lose more leads than you save. AI isn’t the hero, the system is.”

Together, they recommend that New Zealand businesses looking to integrate AI for lead handling should start with audit-driven digital marketing: optimise SEO, ensure strong UX, deploy high-performing landing pages, and then layer in AI to scale efficiently, while keeping humans in the loop to maintain quality and conversion.

About The Web Guys

The Web Guys is an Auckland-based, full-service digital marketing and creative agency that specialises in website design, SEO, Google Ads management, conversion optimisation, and real-time analytics. With more than 13 years in business and over 220 domain-ranking keywords, the agency works across various industries, including trades, tourism, finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and construction.

Get in touch with The Web Guys for a consultation today at 09 390 8909.