Existing Google Maps facilities in New Zealand have been integrated with business data provided by finda.co.nz, an online business directory that was established in 2004. But individual business owners can add their own companies to Google Maps too - Google touts the service as easy and free and suggests that it's a way for businesses to bypass the need for their own website.
A localised version of Google Maps will most likely provide some stiff competition for ZoomIn, the dominant local Web 2.0 map provider in New Zealand. ZoomIn's creator John Clegg told the New Zealand Herald that he is not overly concerned by Google's announcement, having expected their foray into the market for some time. He is confident that ZoomIn's community focus gives it an edge, commenting that "Our community functionality is directly integrated into ZoomIn, unlike Google where they are bolted on the side."
But it's the ad revenue that Google Maps will surely be benefiting from, as Google's power lies in AdWords and their connection with apfinda Ltd, and ZoomIn may need a high powered partnership of their own if they wish to continue thriving.
Now New Zealanders will also be able to search for local businesses with the help of their mobile phone - using My Location, Google's alternative to GPS for mobiles.
However, it seems that New Zealand will not be seeing Google Street View coming to their street in the near future. Google Australia and New Zealand head of corporate communications and public affairs Rob Shilkin suggested that it was too early for him to discuss Street View options for New Zealand. But, judging by widespread privacy concerns reported by bigmouthmedia when the service was launched in Australia, that may not necessarily be a bad thing.
Localised mapping can only increase Google's already formidable presence in New Zealand; according to hitwise.co.nz Google outranked all other NZ search engines in the 24 week period ending 24.11.07. Google has certainly established itself on the map - now it's allowing New Zealand businesses to do the same.
