James & Wells Intellectual Property's senior partners are supporting the Kiwi Computer Challenge's aim to get one million New Zealanders to pass the internationally recognised core computer qualification IC3 by 2015 - 56 companies have signed up so far.

Partner Ian Finch says the first stage, Computer Fundamentals, has been a revelation for the firm's 60 employees.

"All of us use computers on a daily basis, but it is amazing how our perceptions of what we know differ from the reality when we are faced with the Challenge tasks."

"James & Wells puts a real focus on productivity, and we see a high level of computer literacy as crucial to that. Because the whole firm is doing it, we can use the Challenge to improve teamwork and have some fun with inter-office rivalry."

The IC3 covers three modules. There are online courses, practice tests and

certification exams for each. Mr Finch says James & Wells Intellectual Property is encouraging its clients and other law firms to take up the Challenge.

"For New Zealand to succeed in the highly competitive global economy, we need to seriously improve the nation's computer skills.  New Zealand's future lies in exporting intellectual property, not in squeezing more cows into a paddock, and computer literacy is an essential skill to get us there."

"Time wasted when people are stumped with computer problems is a huge factor in the workplace. The Kiwi Computer Challenge is an excellent way to achieve increased competitiveness in our workforce as we forge a path in the knowledge economy."

James & Wells Intellectual Property won 'Employer of Choice' for the second time at the 2010 NZ Law Awards, and Mr Finch says signing up to the challenge is the type of investment in professional development which its staff appreciate.

"We are always seeking innovative ways to ensure James & Wells leads the field, and we think attaining the international benchmark for workplace computer literacy is another way we can do that."

Kiwi Computer Challenge spokesperson Pam Martin says "The easiest and cheapest way to increase our productivity is to increase our computer skills.  The Kiwi Computer Challenge is about motivating a country to learn."

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For more information or to arrange an interview with Ian Finch, please contact:

Lester Thorley, Wright Communications

Phone: (09) 366 2456; Mobile: 021 103 4857.

Email: lester@wrightcommunications.co.nz

About the Kiwi Computer Challenge

The Challenge was launched in April, 2010. Its supporters include Microsoft NZ, Cisco, NZICT, EMA, Hayes Knight and RSM Prince. For more information see www.kiwicomputerchallenge.co.nz