NZ a better place thanks to the internet - report

Thinking of turning back time and getting rid of the internet?

It is probably not a good idea, according to two reports commissioned by InternetNZ.

A study by Wellington consultant Infometrics said it was plausible the internet had boosted economic activity in developed countries such as New Zealand by between 5 and 9 per cent, but there were other benefits to consumers not captured in those numbers.

Drawbacks of the internet included undermining GST collection as more shoppers bought from overseas websites, internet crime and the undermining on intellectual property. But these were not enough to drown out the positives, the report said.

Fellow consultant NZIER said in another report released today by InternetNZ that measuring the economic impact of the internet was difficult but it was analogous to the transport infrastructure.

InternetNZ chief executive Vikram Kumar said the studies suggested the internet had improved the productivity and wellbeing of New Zealanders and "protecting and promoting the internet will protect and promote New Zealand's economic future".

- © Fairfax NZ News

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