TIMARU, NEW ZEALAND, 28 May 2025 – Gecko Gully Limited, a leading business technology consulting firm, today issued a stark warning to New Zealand businesses: those waiting for artificial intelligence (AI) to “settle down” before implementing an AI strategy risk significant competitive disadvantages. As global business leaders increasingly embrace AI as a transformative technology, NZ companies face mounting pressure to develop strategic approaches to AI adoption.
The announcement comes as industry leaders worldwide predict AI will fundamentally reshape business operations, similar to how the internet revolutionised commerce in the 1990s. According to economic forecasts, AI is expected to add approximately USD 13 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
“Many New Zealand business owners, particularly those running small to mid-sized operations, are taking a ‘wait and see’ approach with AI strategy,” said Christine Abela, CEO and founder of Gecko Gully Limited. “This hesitation is understandable but potentially dangerous. The reality is that AI isn’t just another tech trend—it’s rapidly becoming as essential to business operations as having a website or email system.”
Abela, who began her career as a computer programmer in 1981 and has been an early adopter of digital technologies since the late 1980s, points to statements from global business leaders that underscore the urgency. Notably, billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has warned that businesses without an AI strategy “will die in the world that’s coming.”
Gecko Gully’s analysis suggests that small businesses, in particular, are likely to benefit from implementing an AI strategy in areas such as customer service automation, content creation, data analysis, and operational efficiencies. The technology offers significant opportunities for businesses with an annual turnover between NZ$1 million and NZ$10 million to compete more effectively against larger enterprises.
“The businesses that thrive won’t necessarily be those with the largest AI budgets, but those that thoughtfully integrate an AI strategy into their existing operations to solve real problems,” Abela explained. “We’re focused on helping our clients understand that AI isn’t about replacing human intelligence but augmenting it—enhancing what makes their business unique while automating what doesn’t.”
Former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty has predicted that the world’s first trillionaires will emerge from those who masterfully utilise AI in unprecedented ways. This innovation potential applies across industries and business sizes, not just to tech giants.
Gecko Gully Limited specialises in bridging the gap between business strategy and technical implementation, offering plain-English guidance to business owners who may feel overwhelmed by rapidly evolving technology. The company provides business consulting, website development, SEO, content marketing, and business automation services tailored specifically for small business owners throughout New Zealand.
“The key is demystifying AI and making it practical,” said Abela. “Our approach isn’t about chasing every new AI tool, but identifying the specific applications that will deliver real value for each unique business. The question isn’t whether to adopt AI, but how to adopt it in a way that aligns with your business goals.”
Gecko Gully Limited is now offering AI readiness assessments for small business owners concerned about falling behind in this critical technology transition.
About Gecko Gully Limited: Founded in 2000 in Australia and relocated to New Zealand in 2021 by Christine Abela, Gecko Gully Limited empowers small business owners to grow with confidence by simplifying online marketing, creating helpful content, and implementing intelligent automation. Based in Timaru, New Zealand, the company serves businesses nationwide with annual turnovers between NZ$1M and NZ$10M. For more information, visit [website].
Media Contact:
Christine Abela
CEO, Gecko Gully Limited
p: +64 27 256 8812
e: [email protected]
w: https://GeckoGullyWebsites.com
