Many business owners still lack the drive to move their operations online, despite understanding the benefits of doing so, according to a new report.

The study, commissioned by MYOB, concludes that this reluctance could be holding New Zealand back on the world stage.

Just 32% of New Zealand businesses have their own website, the study says, and just 9% sell products or services online.

Although businesses with websites are more likely to experience revenue growth, 70% of those without websites said they had no intention of ever establishing one.

MYOB general manager, Julian Smith, says although 2% more businesses are online compared with a year ago, there needs to be a ‘rapid change’ in the number of businesses with an online presence.

"Much of the developed world is looking for and buying form businesses online,” Smith says.

"Unfortunately, despite that massive demand, the majority of local businesses are nowhere to be found in the global online economy.”

Australian businesses are well ahead, with the study finding 39% of companies across the Tasman have an online presence.

Smith says Government education programmes would help rectify the situation.

"Getting more kiwi businesses online could be the simplest thing we do as a country to enjoy the growth and opportunities of a 20th Century economy,” Smith says.

"But it needs a national effort to realise the potential of being one of the world’s most connected countries.”