Home-Based Business Mapping Research and Survey Results

This page describes the research undertaken to identify the number, type, scale and location of home-based businesses in Porirua City.

Background to the Research

The aim of the research was to better understand the number of home-based businesses; location of home-based businesses by suburb; broadband usage by suburb; tele-working practice by suburb; and characteristics of Internet-connected businesses by suburb.

The research approach consists of:

  • Reviewing the previous research approach and results
  • Undertaking a desktop exercise and analysis of the latest Business Statistics Business Frame data
  • Understanding the nature of home-based business activity
  • Identifying and locating home-based businesses via online survey
  • Interpreting the survey results to identify trends and opportunities for home-based businesses in Porirua, and potential areas for support or intervention by Porirua City Council

Survey of Home-based Businesses

An online survey (responses=75) of home-based business owners in Porirua City was conducted over the period November-December 2011. The survey of home-based businesses in Porirua City was to acknowledge and test some of the data limitations and assumptions made in the desktop research.

The survey covers the following topics:

  • GST registration 
  • Nature of activity
  • Local spend
  • Internet and broadband requirements
  • Use of local services and facilities
  • Motivations for working from home
  • Future growth plans

Survey Results