What began as a small, homegrown initiative has rapidly evolved into one of New Zealand’s most trusted names in digital development. Ultimate Web Designs, known for its commitment to high-quality websites and personalised service, is making waves across the country—quietly but confidently reshaping the digital landscape for Kiwi businesses.

In a market often saturated with cookie-cutter solutions and offshore agencies, Ultimate Web Designs stands apart with a hands-on, transparent, and results-driven approach. Founded by two visionary entrepreneurs, the company has completed over 1,000 projects for businesses across New Zealand and Australia.

“We started this journey with a simple goal—to help businesses not just get online, but thrive online,” says Lakshay, Project Manager at Ultimate Web Designs. “Today, that vision is bigger than ever, and it’s being powered by a team that genuinely cares about results.”

While the company is best known for its striking websites and seamless mobile apps, its real strength lies in the long-term partnerships it builds with clients. With offices in both Auckland and Christchurch, and a reputation for five-star service, the company is now positioning itself for even bigger growth.

One key differentiator? Ultimate Web Designs does not outsource its work or collaborate with external digital agencies. Everything—from custom websites and eCommerce solutions to SEO, Google Ads, and app development—is done in-house, ensuring quality control and faster turnarounds.

As more businesses shift online and seek partners they can trust, Ultimate Web Designs is becoming a go-to name for those who value both creativity and accountability.

For more information, visit: https://ultimatewebdesigns.co.nz

Media Contact:
Ultimate Web Designs
Email: info@ultimatewebdesigns.co.nz
Phone: 021 791 234

MIL OSI

Adclics, a New Zealand-owned digital marketing agency, is revolutionising the e-commerce landscape with its suite of AI-powered tools designed to enhance online presence, optimise marketing strategies, and drive business growth.

About Adclics

Founded by CEO Bjorn Kim and COO Deesha Bhatia, Adclics emerged from a shared vision to simplify and elevate digital marketing for e-commerce businesses. Bjorn’s journey from a background in graphic design and marketing to co-founding Adclics reflects a commitment to innovation and adaptability. Deesha’s transition from healthcare to digital marketing underscores a dedication to continuous learning and problem-solving.

Our Mission

At Adclics, our mission is to empower e-commerce businesses with cutting-edge digital marketing solutions that deliver exceptional results. We leverage AI to enhance engagement with audiences and optimise marketing strategies, ensuring our clients stay ahead in a competitive digital landscape.

Services Offered

Adclics offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client:

AI-Powered Advertising: Utilising advanced AI tools to automate and optimise ad campaigns across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, ensuring effective audience targeting and maximised ROI.

Advanced SEO Analysis: Providing in-depth SEO services to enhance website visibility, drive organic traffic, and improve search engine rankings.

Engaging Content Creation: Delivering AI-assisted content creation for blogs, product descriptions, and social media, helping businesses connect authentically with their audience.

Comprehensive Analytics: Offering efficient analytics solutions to provide actionable insights into marketing campaign performance, enabling data-driven decision-making.

Personalised Email Marketing: Specialising in creating personalised and engaging email campaigns to enhance customer engagement and retention.

Looking Ahead

As we move further into 2025, Adclics remains committed to embracing AI advancements to redefine marketing strategies. Our focus on hyper-personalisation, predictive analytics, and AI-driven content creation positions us to continue delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Media Release 16 March 2025.

MIL OSI

As online marketplaces are becoming more and more popular, a website dedicated solely to hire pro music and audio professionals sounds like something that is bound to make your life easy.

StudioGigs a Music Production Marketplace (https://www.studiogigs.co/ ) is your solution to this problem. Launched recently based in Auckland, New Zealand, StudioGigs is a music creator’s marketplace where you can hire top rated musicians, StudioGigs helps you to collaborate with other musicians and create music with them as well. Furthermore with a streamlined, user friendly interface, the website works wonderfully for freelance musicians.

Musicians can showcase their skills and find interested clients eager to work with them. Whether you are a musician looking for an audio engineer for mixing, mastering, audio editing or someone to design your album art for your next album, StudioGigs solves your problem in no time. You can also find pro musicians, whether it be drums or piano or guitar player, as well as singers or songwriters for your upcoming project, StudioGigs is just a click away.

The website also provides a section for online instrument lessons or guitar lessons. If you are someone willing to take guitar lessons or learn a music software like Ableton, Pro Tools or Logic, it provides a one stop solution for that as well. Apart from music, podcast production, composing for a film or a game or beat making – you will find all kinds of freelancers on one website.

https://www.studiogigs.co/ Get to choose from a diverse range of musicians with their unique portfolios
Moreover the website encourages a diverse range of musicians to join from different musical backgrounds. Musicians can set up their own portfolios in order to attract a huge global audience. Artists can highlight their work as well. Clients can drop their reviews based on their experiences with the musicians.

Musicians get notified when they get an order and can then interact with the customer on the platform itself.

StudioGigs: What’s more? Musicians get to keep 90% of the earnings; joining is FREE
Joining StudioGigs is FREE for musicians. If you are a musician, it won’t cost you a dime to enlist your services on the website. Furthermore you can keep 90% of the money as the StudioGig success fee is a meagre 10%. And how much a musician can charge is totally upto them, ranging from $100 to $1000.

Seamless hassle-free payment procedure for freelance musicians
Musicians DO NOT need to chase clients anymore. As soon as they complete the order, money is transferred to their account. StudioGigs.co payments are processed on highly secured Stripe and Paypal payment processors. Payment can be withdrawn as soon as it is cleared.

So why the wait? Whether you are someone looking for a song for a mixing engineer, a game composer or if you are a musician looking for work or looking for other musicians to work with for your next release, head out to the site and have a look! https://www.studiogigs.co/

Media Release 9 August 2024.

MIL OSI

DigitalxMarketing is proud to announce its appointment as a provider for New Zealand’s All-of-Government (AoG) Creative and Media Services panel. This prestigious appointment underscores DigitalxMarketing’s commitment to delivering exceptional digital marketing solutions and creative strategies to drive success for its clients.

DigitalxMarketing can significantly help the New Zealand government save money. With extensive experience in digital marketing and a proven track record of delivering results, DigitalxMarketing is well-equipped to optimise government campaigns efficiently. By leveraging advanced AI tools and data-driven strategies, the company can streamline processes, reduce manual labor, and enhance targeting accuracy, leading to more effective use of resources and reduced costs. The integration of AI in campaign management ensures continuous optimisation, allowing for real-time adjustments that maximise ROI and minimise wasteful spending. Partnering with DigitalxMarketing offers the government a reliable, innovative approach to digital marketing that aligns with fiscal responsibility and modern technological advancements.

A Significant Milestone
This inclusion in the AoG panel marks a significant achievement for DigitalxMarketing. The AoG initiative is designed to streamline procurement processes, ensuring that government agencies have access to high-quality services from top-tier providers. As an approved provider, DigitalxMarketing will collaborate with various government departments, ministries, and agencies to help them achieve their communication goals through innovative and effective strategies.

Commitment to Excellence
DigitalxMarketing prides itself on crafting bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client. This selection for the AoG panel is a testament to the team’s expertise, creativity, and dedication to excellence. With a wealth of experience in digital marketing, creative services, and media strategy, DigitalxMarketing ensures that every project is executed with precision and professionalism.

Services for Government Agencies
Government agencies partnering with DigitalxMarketing can expect a seamless and efficient service experience. The team is equipped to handle a wide range of creative and media services, including:
• Strategic Communications Planning: Crafting comprehensive communication strategies that align with agency objectives and resonate with target audiences.
• Creative Design and Production: Delivering high-quality design and production services, from concept development to final execution, across various media platforms.
• Digital Marketing: Implementing cutting-edge digital marketing campaigns that leverage the latest technologies and trends to maximise reach and engagement.
• Media Buying and Planning: Providing strategic media planning and buying services to ensure optimal placement and performance of advertising campaigns.

Looking Ahead
DigitalxMarketing is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead with the All-of-Government Creative and Media Services panel. The team is ready to collaborate with government agencies to create impactful and meaningful campaigns that make a difference.
“We are honored to be selected as a provider for the AoG panel,” said Mathew Collins, Managing Director of DigitalxMarketing. “This opportunity allows us to contribute to the success of New Zealand’s government communications and media initiatives, and we look forward to delivering innovative and effective solutions.”
For more information about DigitalxMarketing’s services and how the team can help your organisation achieve its goals, please contact mathew@digitalx.marketing.

Media Release 9 August 2024.

MIL OSI

TradeMe has long held a dominant position in New Zealand’s online marketplace, offering a platform where buyers and sellers can transact with ease. However, the rise of new technologies and evolving consumer preferences suggest that it is possible for a new competitor to challenge TradeMe’s dominance. But what exactly would it take to compete with such an established player? Here are six critical areas where a new entrant would need to focus.

1. Solving the Network Effect Problem
One of the most formidable challenges any new marketplace faces is the network effect. This effect means that the value of a service increases as more people use it. TradeMe has capitalised on this phenomenon for years, creating a robust ecosystem that continually attracts more users. To break into this market, a new platform must find a way to quickly build a critical mass of users.

Innovative approaches like offering early adopters significant incentives, such as discounts or exclusive deals, can help jumpstart user acquisition. Additionally, targeting niche markets initially, rather than trying to appeal to everyone at once, can help build a dedicated user base. By excelling in specific areas underserved by TradeMe, a new platform can gradually expand its reach and begin to leverage its own network effect.

2. Not a TradeMe 2.0
History has shown that simply replicating TradeMe’s features is not enough to succeed. Platforms like Wheedle, Ferrit, Sella, and Allgoods attempted to compete with TradeMe but ultimately failed. These platforms did not provide sufficient additional value to incentivise users to switch. Without offering a compelling reason for users to move away from an established platform, these services struggled to gain traction.

A new platform must differentiate itself by offering unique features or significant improvements over TradeMe. Whether it’s through innovative technology, superior user experience, lineal integration or distinct market focus, the key is to provide clear, tangible benefits that TradeMe does not offer. Understanding why these previous attempts failed is crucial to developing a strategy that avoids the same pitfalls.

3. Understanding the Needs of Buyers
Any new competitor must prioritise the buyer experience. Buyers are looking for a seamless, enjoyable shopping experience, and any new platform must exceed the expectations set by TradeMe. This starts with an intuitive, user-friendly interface that makes browsing and purchasing straightforward and enjoyable.

Security is paramount. Buyers need assurance that their transactions are safe and that their personal information is protected. A new platform should implement top-tier security measures, including secure payment gateways and comprehensive buyer protection policies. Additionally, a strong mobile presence is essential, as more consumers are using their smartphones to shop. A well-designed app can significantly enhance the shopping experience.

Personalisation is another key factor. Advanced search functionalities, personalised recommendations, and detailed product descriptions can help buyers find exactly what they want quickly. By leveraging data analytics to tailor the shopping experience to individual preferences, a new platform can create a more engaging and satisfying user experience.

4. Understanding the Needs of Sellers
Attracting sellers requires a focus on their profitability and ease of use. Sellers are primarily concerned with reaching a broad audience and minimising costs. Offering lower fees than TradeMe can be a compelling reason for sellers to switch to a new platform. Beyond financial incentives, providing comprehensive tools for managing listings, tracking sales, and analysing performance can make a significant difference.

Customer support is another crucial area. Sellers need reliable and responsive support to resolve issues quickly. Offering personalised support and resources can help sellers navigate the platform more efficiently. Moreover, allowing sellers to create customised store pages can help them build their brand and stand out in the marketplace.

Marketing support is also vital. By providing sellers with advertising options and promotional tools, a new platform can help them increase visibility and drive sales. Special features like bulk listing tools and automated inventory management can further streamline the selling process, making it more attractive for sellers to switch platforms.

5. Leveraging New Technologies
Incorporating cutting-edge technologies can provide a significant competitive advantage. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can transform the user experience on a new platform. For instance, AI-powered recommendation engines can offer highly personalised shopping suggestions, while ML algorithms can improve search results by learning from user behavior over time.

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are another critical asset. By integrating with various APIs, a new platform can offer a range of enhanced services. For example, leveraging AI APIs can facilitate sophisticated chatbots for customer service, providing instant and accurate responses to user queries, thus improving customer satisfaction.

Open banking presents another opportunity. By integrating open banking APIs, a new platform can offer streamlined payment solutions, making transactions faster and more secure. This can also enable innovative financial services, such as instant credit assessments for buyers and sellers, thereby enhancing trust and convenience.

Moreover, blockchain technology can be utilised to ensure transparency and security in transactions. Smart contracts can automate processes such as payment releases upon successful delivery, reducing fraud and building trust among users.

6. Not Being Everything to Everyone
One of the most common mistakes new platforms make is trying to be everything to everyone. This approach can dilute focus and resources, leading to a mediocre offering across the board. Instead, a new entrant should identify its core strengths and focus on excelling in those areas.

Specialisation can be a powerful differentiator. Whether it’s focusing on household items, second hand goods, or a particular demographic, targeting specific niches can help a new platform build a strong reputation and loyal user base. By curating a selection of products that cater to particular buyer segments, a new platform can offer a unique value proposition that sets it apart from TradeMe to gain initial momentum.

Competing with TradeMe is no small feat. It requires a strategic approach that addresses the network effect, learns from past failures, understands and caters to the needs of both buyers and sellers, leverages new technologies, and maintains a clear focus on core strengths. With these strategies, a new platform can carve out its own space in the market and begin to challenge the dominance of TradeMe.

Find out more about how SellWise aim to disrupt this area at www.sellwise.nz

Media Release 6 June 2024.

MIL OSI

Matrix Consulting launches a comprehensive consulting, training and implementation service to help companies leverage the transformative power of AI.

Matrix Artificial Intelligence Consultancy is proud to announce the launch of our new AI Advisory, Training and Implementation Services, offering comprehensive support and expertise in developing advanced artificial intelligence applications.

“Our new Artificial Intelligence Advisory, Training and Implementation Services are geared towards helping companies leverage Artificial Intelligence’s transformative power.” – Glen Maguire, CEO

Located in Auckland, New Zealand, our experienced professionals are dedicated to helping businesses make sense of the ever-evolving technology landscape and leverage AI tools for their benefit. With our suite of services, we are committed to providing customised solutions that meet each client’s specific needs.

We understand that the AI technology landscape can be complex and intimidating, so our team of advisors will work closely with clients to create a tailored plan for their business. We will provide comprehensive guidance and support at every process step, from strategy development to implementation.

Our expertise enables us to help clients develop realistic and achievable goals that leverage AI tools such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP) and predictive analytics.

We also offer an extensive range of AI training services geared towards helping businesses understand and apply the technology. Our team of experts will provide instruction and advice on best practices, developing algorithms, deploying models, data analysis and learning how to use tools like Chat GPT 4. We can also help clients design custom courses to meet their individual needs.

Finally, Matrix Consulting offers comprehensive AI implementation and AI Digital Marketing services. We have the expertise and resources to develop, deploy and manage AI applications and solutions. Our team will work with clients to identify the appropriate technology, develop the necessary infrastructure, and ensure everything is correctly deployed.

At Matrix Consulting, our mission is to help businesses make sense of their data and leverage the power of artificial intelligence for their benefit. With our new AI Advisory, Training and Implementation Services, we can provide the guidance and support needed to help clients get the most out of their AI applications.

Media Release on 6 July 2023

Media Contact
Glen Maguire
Matrix Consulting AI
+64 21 344 050
glen@matrixconsulting.ai
https://www.matrixconsulting.ai/

MIL OSI

Using Kacific broadband satellites with KA Band technology, the latest Woi satellite internet plan offers unlimited satellite internet for $129 per month, including GST. Alongside affordability, customers also benefit from speed, courtesy of desirable download speeds of 50 Mbps and an upload speed of 10mbps.

According to Woi spokesperson Martin Wrigley, the goal has always been to ensure rural Kiwis have choices, especially when their options are already limited in isolated parts of the country.

“Rural Kiwis often get the raw deal with internet services, especially with fibre broadband rollouts not reaching many isolated communities. By providing this new plan to complement our others, we believe we’re doing our part to connect Kiwis where they need it the most,” Wrigley says.

The Woi Plus plan is available now, and Woi takes care of all parts of the installation process for you. Simply email sales@woi.co.nz or phone 0800 GET WOI (0800 438 964) to switch internet providers today.

To learn more about Woi’s new satellite internet plan or other competitively priced plans, visit woi.co.nz/plans-and-pricing/.

About Woi
Woi is a satellite internet service provider offering Kiwis fibre-like internet speeds on small Kacific satellite antennas. Woi has over two decades of experience in designing and installing small and large networks, which means they understand what it takes to achieve fast internet and how to make sure rural Kiwis get it. To learn more about Woi and its services, visit www.woi.co.nz, or phone 0800 GET WOI (0800 438 964).

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Media Release on 27 March 2023

Media Contact
Richard Broadbridge, Woi Satellite Internet
sales@woi.co.nz
0800 GETWOI (438964)
https://www.woi.co.nz/

MIL OSI

After the successful launch of the Pasifika business initiative to reserve an Upper Back of Jersey Position for the 2023 season, Moana Pasifika are pleased to announce a new partnership with Woi Satellite Internet (Woi).

The parent company, MMG Communications Limited New Zealand is a 100% Pasifika-owned organisation. Woi provides rural communications solutions, including internet, to homes, businesses and Government agencies in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.

Excited by the work Woi is doing to enable our Pasifika people to stay connected throughout the world using the internet, Moana Pasifika Chief Executive Officer Pelenato Sakalia is appreciative of the partnership.

“When we launched this initiative, we were hoping to align with Pasifika organisations who shared the same vision to improve the lives of our people. I am proud of Moana Pasifika’s partnership with Woi and the work that they are doing in progressing the technological capacity of our Pasifika people in Aotearoa and in the Pacific.”

Woi Chief Executive Officer Richard Broadbridge said, “Our sponsorship of Moana Pasifika comes at special time for us. We’re renewing our commitment to rural Aotearoa New Zealand and have not only increased our speeds but lowered our retail prices to allow rural people to be able to access the internet. It also means Moana Pasifika fans in rural areas can stream their matches using our wifi.”

“Our new plans released this month mean there is great speed for the entire whānau to work and play at a price that is more affordable. Our product appeals to rural customers and businesses that want to buy and support local and who can’t access fibre or reliable 4G and fixed wireless.”

The WOI logo will be proudly displayed on the number 13 jersey, famously worn by the 2022 by Moana Pasifika Fans Player of the Year player Levi Aumua.

If you are interested in receiving an information pack on this unique upper back of jersey opportunity, please email ashleighw@moanapasifika.co.nz

Media Release on 9 Dec 2022

Media Contact
Jersey, Woi Satellite Internet
Email: ashleighw@moanapasifika.co.nz
Phone: 0800438964
Website: https://www.woi.co.nz/

MIL OSI

A new Kiwi fin-tech app, afirmo, designed to help business owners get small business essentials right, is getting ready to launch in early 2022.

Entrepreneur and afirmo founder, Robert Rolls, says the afirmo toolkit of services will be released in stages from March. He says these services will help people set-up and scale-up their small businesses with ease. “Essentially, afirmo takes the confusion out of small business – it makes setting up and getting established easy – painless – with tools in marketing, tax, insurance and more, to simplify, strengthen and streamline the business”.

Starting a small business has, in the past, been complex, confusing and costly – requiring multiple processes, duplicate fill-in forms with IRD, NZBN, MBIE, IPONZ, banks, web domain registrars, email providers, graphic designers, online and media advertising channels and insurers. Maintaining all these registrations and policies is complex and time consuming, and especially so, when the business owner is trying to focus on establishing their core business.

“If you’re thinking about establishing a small business, and wanting to get it right and succeed, but not sure how to get started, afirmo is your place to start, set-up and run your business from. It is technology’s answer to small business problems” he says.

Afirmo customers will have access to tools and tips on all the essentials of small business – from getting a New Zealand business number, registering for GST or setting up PAYE, and much more. Once those fundamentals are set up, afirmo customers will be able use the afirmo app to create branding, set-up their website and social media marketing, and more.

The afirmo app will track a business’s development and will grow with it, presenting tools and advice based on the business’s growth path and owner’s preferences.

Rolls, who has worked for many years supporting small business operators, understands the strains and pains for people who go out on their own to establish a new business – he says “on one hand it is really exciting deciding to start a small business – being in the driver’s seat, being the boss, but on the other hand, it is confusing and risky because while these people may be great florists, plumbers, designers, or photographers, often they have a significant knowledge gap in running a business – that’s why I’ve created afirmo – so people with drive and determination to be the best providers of something, can be, despite not having business experience”.

He says, “We are going to provide entrepreneurs and small business owners with tools and services to get them quickly set up and to manage their businesses efficiently and effectively to get great results for themselves, their customers and society. And we will encourage inclusion and diversity and will go out of our way to support
minority and disadvantaged groups”.

New Zealand is a nation of small businesses – approximately 530,000 of them, contributing over a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product and it is a sector afirmo is committed to looking after. “We are bringing initiatives that will mean small business owners have access to the tools they need”.

Rolls says that “Here at afirmo we recognise the recovery of the small business sector in the post Covid era will be important for everyone – for customers, for communities, for the wellbeing of business owners, and for the economy, so we are committed to giving the owners of small businesses the tools they will need not to just survive, but to succeed, and succeed really well”.

The team at afirmo knows setting up and running a business can be isolating – long hours spent alone, in the back room, working towards getting the show on the road. Rolls says “afirmo customers will never be alone because they will be able to connect with other afirmo users though our community hub and gain access to our small business community. They can also connect with afirmo experts to help with guidance on funding, insurance, tax and all the other complex challenges that might be facing their business”.

The digital platform means access is possible on the move, enabling business owners to reach out for afirmo at any time – the app displays all the key information the owner has entered in their business profile – so whenever the information is needed, it can be easily accessed.

With the launch date four months away Rolls is looking forward to seeing the afirmo app in action, making life easier for the small business sector, bringing simplicity to areas in business, that have in the past been made to be complicated.

To join the waitlist visit www.afirmo.com

Media Release on 27 Jan 2022

Media Contact
Robert Rolls, afirmo
robert.rolls@afirmo.com
https://www.afirmo.com/

MIL OSI

Satellite internet is essential for rural Kiwis who can’t access the same services and utilities available in towns and cities. In the past, the average satellite internet plan catered to casual users rather than those who must use the internet for working and schooling.

WOI is pleased to announce that it’s working hard to provide new satellite plants that match the increasing requirement for video calls for work and school from home. Alongside providing an upload speed increase to 10mbps so two people can conduct video meetings simultaneously, WOI has also created three plans to satisfy all satellite internet users.

According to spokesperson Richard Broadbridge, the three plans are in response to the new working and studying conditions COVID-19 has forced upon us.

“The WOI entry-level plan comes as a result of demand for a two-person plan for light users and is $30 cheaper than the previous 40/5 plan. We also offer family plans that promote connectivity of up to four devices and plans for heavy users and businesses for up to seven people. All of our plans offer unlimited data with set hours of SD and HD video streaming each month.”

WOI is also pleased to offer a phone service for $25 a month, with a landline working via a satellite integrated into landlines and mobiles in NZ. This service is available for $50 for the first month, then $25 per month onwards.

If you would like to know more about the special satellite internet deals WOI has to offer, or you’re interested in learning more about satellite internet in general, contact WOI Satellite today. Email sales@woi.co.nz or phone 0800 GET WOI.(438964)

About WOI
WOI is a satellite internet service provider offering Kiwis fibre-like internet speeds on small Kacific satellite antennas. WOI has over two decades of experience in designing and installing small and large networks, which means they understand what it takes to achieve fast internet and how to make sure rural Kiwis get it. To learn more about WOI and its services, visit www.woi.co.nz, or phone 0800 GET WOI.

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Media Release on 1 November 2021

Media Contact
Customer service, WOI Satellite Internet
Email: sales@woi.co.nz
Phone: 0800 GETWOI (438964)
Website: https://www.woi.co.nz/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCoNBAuzjQ

MIL OSI

Cyber security refers to the practice of having systems in place to mitigate those risks. It should be a multi-layered process that evolves in line with technology and regulations.

In 2021, cyber-attacks were at an all-time high. To help you understand how these attacks work and what they look like, we have outlined the top 5 cyber security risks for businesses in 2021:

1. Phishing schemes: Phishing emails lure users to click on links that expose their computers to unauthorised access or introduce malware. These have become extremely sophisticated, with recent attacks preying on victim’s fears of COVID-19 to persuade them to share sensitive information.

In the era of “BYOD” (bring your own device) and cross-device data sharing, employees are gatekeepers of their organisation’s data, even when not at work. Awareness, training, and cultivating good IT hygiene practices are vital in protecting everyone from phishing schemes.

2. Ransomware: This is a data-encrypting program that demands payment to release the infected data. In 2020 alone, $1.4 billion was demanded in ransom, with an average cost of $1.45 million required to rectify the damage. Comprising 22% of data breaches, ransomware is a common cyber security risk – and a particularly malicious form of attack.

3. DDoS attacks: Sites or services are targeted with a flood of network traffic, resulting in crashes and inaccessibility. This is sometimes used in combination with a ransom demand – if not paid, the criminals will continue to overwhelm the organisation with traffic.

4. Unpatched third-party software: Any cyber service you or your business uses can leave your data vulnerable to threats. In January 2021, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s customer data was breached after an attack on a third-party file-sharing service. If one system is compromised, hackers can often access other linked domains.

In 2020, 36 billion records were exposed to unauthorised users, and according to Verizon, 80% of organisations experienced a cyber security breach originating from a third-party vendor. So even if internal systems are secure, other tools and services may need to be managed to protect business assets.

5. Remote workers: Even if on-site IT infrastructures are protected, remote systems may not be shielded from cyber attacks in the same way.

Last year, many employees were thrust into a remote working environment before remote networking capabilities could be established.

Many home WiFi networks are not secure and can be easily exploited, especially when linked to personal phones and other devices. There are further risks here than just attacks by hackers or cyber criminals; kids or family members using work equipment could inadvertently access private company data or mishandle it on shared devices.

In 2021- it’s more important than ever for business to be proactive about their cyber risk

From leaked data and loss of consumer trust to total site shutdown, the consequences of unprotected IT systems are substantial and could therefore become a financial cost as well.

With more sophisticated scams, increased remote working, and more data than ever at risk, cyber security must be an ongoing and proactive process that involves the continuous evaluation of systems and people.

A managed IT service can offer support and solutions to protect your company, data, and personnel from major cyber risks.

Think Concepts are leaders in IT solutions, innovation, and global technology trends

Think Concepts provides people-focused IT support and cloud and managed IT services for small to medium-sized businesses throughout New Zealand. With over 15 years of experience in business IT support services, we work proactively to ensure the performance, stability, and security of all our customers’ IT systems.

Media Release – June 2021

Media Contact
Courtney McCullough, Think Concepts
Email: courtney@thinking.co.nz
Phone: 0800 4 84465
Website: www.thinking.co.nz

MIL OSI

Leading event delivery platform Blerter is pleased to welcome Chris Randle to the growing Auckland based team as Head of Event Success. Chris joins with a wealth of experience from his time in the endurance sports industry as former Regional Director at The IRONMAN Group, the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world.

As Head of Event Success, Chris will work closely with customers and partners, leveraging his invaluable knowledge from almost a decade of delivering some of the world’s most renowned races. Well respected within the industry, and an expert in delivering memorable event experiences using best practice operational standards, his hands-on approach will help event organisers to utilise Blerter to manage risk more effectively, improve operational efficiency and create more engaging experiences for their crew.

“We are particularly excited to announce the appointment of Chris Randle as Head of Event Success. Having used Blerter previously, he will help to fast track growth in our key European and North American markets as the pandemic subsides and events return in earnest across the world,” explains Blerter Founder and CEO, Richard Gill. “The timing of his arrival couldn’t be better after a challenging 2020.”

Having used Blerter previously at IRONMAN events, Chris could see the opportunity and need for digital transformation in the delivery of events and will bring deep operational expertise in triathlon to complement the existing team.

“I first met the Blerter team in 2017 and became a fan of the vision immediately. The power of the platform has created an exciting opportunity for events to make a significant digital shift and lasting change. I look forward to building our global partnerships and capability to accelerate the success of events through their digital revolution” says Blerter’s Head of Event Success, Chris Randle.

For more information on how Blerter is helping event organisers deliver safer, smarter events, visit our website (https://www.blerter.com).

Media Release 3 June 2021.

MIL OSI

Clickthrough has been providing cutting-edge search marketing services since 2009, with emphasis on helping New Zealand websites and eCommerce stores achieve sustainable results. Wanting to make sure they can create websites that deliver results, they have been working hard behind the scenes to make their website more user-friendly.

According to Clickthrough Chief Motivator Glen Maguire, the Clickthrough website needed to walk the talk by providing a better and faster website experience for mobile browsers in anticipation of Google’s Core Web Vitals update in June 2021.

“A Conversion Ratio Optimisation (CRO) review of our website in March highlighted a few key usability snags that were hindering users from finding what they were looking for. For example, the website was loading way too slow for smartphone users, which is also crucial for organic search rankings. We knew we had to act quickly, as Google is releasing a major update in June 2021, which will penalise sites that have a slow load speed.”

“We completed our website’s transition in May, and we’re delighted with the results we’ve been seeing. The site now regularly achieves a load speed of over 90% for both mobile and desktop browsers. Before the relaunch, we were achieving a sub 30% score on mobile. We’re also happy with the initial boost in organic rankings we are achieving with the new site.”

Clickthrough wishes to lead by example, showing new and existing customers the importance of fast load speeds, especially with such an important update on the way. If you would like to know more about Clickthrough’s search marketing services, or you’re interested in learning how they can help prepare your website for Google’s pending Core Web Vitals update, contact Clickthrough Digital today. Email hello@clickthrough.co.nz or phone 0508 254 258.

About Clickthrough
Clickthrough is a digital services provider that has been servicing customers throughout New Zealand since 2009. They offer a range of custom training courses, SEO, Adwords training, reporting and CRO, social media marketing, web copywriting, Google Analytics, and more.

Media Release – May 2021

Media Contact
Glen Maguire, Clickthrough SEO New Zealand
Email: hello@clickthrough.co.nz
Phone: 0508 254 258
Website: https://www.clickthrough.co.nz/

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Ecowool is pleased to announce they are now stocking a 100% pure merino wool range, available now at ecowool.com. It joins new possum merino products for the current season.

According to Ecowool spokesperson Karen Collyer, the new range consists of wardrobe staples that are perfect for all year round, such as polo necks, crew necks, jackets, and cardigans.

“We feel investing in quality basics is key to pulling your wardrobe together,” she says.

All garments in the range feature fine rib merino, a lightweight merino to be worn on its own or as a base layer during cooler months with jackets and cardigans. They are also described as being breathable, soft against the skin, sustainable, and biodegradable.

“In the southern hemisphere, winter is fast approaching. The key to staying warm during the cooler months is layering your clothing.”

Layering to remain warm has never been easier, thanks to the natural garment selection that Ecowool has to offer. While their thermal range of undergarments has long been a popular option for base layering, the new merino range offers that convenience, as well.

“If you prefer a more versatile option than our fine merino undergarments, our pure merino range of wardrobe staples can be worn as a base layer or as outerwear throughout the year.”

Karen also recommends pairing the pure merino staples with a knit jacket or sweater featuring possum merino silk. Not only will it provide warmth, but durability, insulation, and odour resistance, too.

You can then tie the entire look together with gloves, a scarf, a beanie, socks, and even sheepskin boots.

“We’re excited about this new 100% pure merino range, but we also can’t wait to share with you the many beautiful natural products we believe will work in harmony with the range.”

Find out more about the new pure merino range by visiting Ecowool.com today.

About Ecowool
Ecowool is based at Sheep World, an outstanding establishment in New Zealand dedicated to sheep farming and wool production. It boasts some of the finest quality sheepskin and woollen and natural products in the country. Ecowool has been a one-stop-shop for natural products since 1987, moving into the online market in 2001.

Ecowool is passionate about products that represent New Zealand and Kiwis. They use the finest raw materials from unpolluted alpine pastures, natural spring water, and crisp mountain air.

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Media Release on 7 May 2021

Media Contact
Karen Collyer, Ecowool
Email: shop@ecowool.com
Phone: +6494257449
Website: https://www.ecowool.com/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEBnroUoAxE

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Web Infinity NZ is pleased to announce we are now offering affordable, fixed priced website marketing packages for builders, electricians, plumbers, roofers and all other tradies.

These packages include;
1) A website that converts visitors into customers
2) A Google marketing campaign to launch your site to the 1st page of Google

Find out more by visiting https://webinfinity.nz/tradies-website-marketing-specialists/

Web Infinity are based in Wellington but are available to help tradies all over New Zealand.

For tradies that have a website but it isn’t generating enough customers, Web Infinity now offers a free audit on your website to help you work out why.

Media Release on 8 April 2021

Media Contact
Sales Team, Web Infinity NZ
Email: hello@webinfinity.nz
Phone: 0800 112 192
Website: https://webinfinity.nz/tradies-website-marketing-specialists/

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The background – Like Your Local! was created initially to help local businesses unlock cashflow during the first Covid-19 lockdown. Since then the service has developed rapidly over a 6 month period in response to community feedback and been deployed in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

The what – Like Your Local! is a free website that provides any small business owner an easy and highly effective way to engage their audience to help grow their business. The service consists of a unique weblink that connects to a beautifully simple and highly effective mobile webpage together with a range of smart-posters that are uniquely generated for each business.

The why – The online world is fractured with plenty of distraction for business owners and customers alike. Like Your Local! solves this by providing a single easy to use webpage that links to only the most valuable business functions. This provides a better, easier way for businesses to engage their audience to unlock soft value (like social media followers, growing their database) and hard value (like gift cards, online orders and sales).

The how – Any small business operator can simply sign up for free on the website – in just a few clicks they can claim their unique weblink and smart posters. The business then simply adds their important business links to their Like Your Local! webpage, puts their posters up and shares their unique weblink over their social media profiles. We like to tell business owners to think of their weblink as ‘One Link to Like them all!’

About Like Your Local! – Like Your Local! (trading as FOMO Search PTY LTD) is a software company based in Melbourne AU and Tauranga NZ. Founded in 2017 the business designs and builds ‘clever simple’ software that enables people to easily support their favourite local businesses and for SME operators an easy, low-cost and highly effective online platform to engage their community and grow their business.

Media Release on 17 September 2020

Media Contact
Mark M, Like Your Local!
Email: mark@likeyourlocal.com
Website: https://www.likeyourlocal.com

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