In the past decade, the popularity of location-based services has grown as a topic for research and as an application. The study of location-based services addresses technology, usability, integration, business issues and privacy. In this project, the reality of location-based services in New Zealand is explored from a broad perspective. Factors influencing the development of these services and issues that would improve efforts in the future are also investigated. The research focuses on: 1) understanding the differences between location-based services in New Zealand and location-based services in other developed countries such as the USA, Japan and the European Union; 2) finding factors that influence location-based service development; and 3) identifying the factors that are significant to New Zealand location-based service development and the issues related to their improvement. When compared with location-based services in other advanced countries such as the USA, Japan and the European Union, it was found that New Zealand services are falling behind. The main differences are within the areas of: technology infrastructure, service availability, quality of location information and legislation. The experience within other countries would suggest that legislation, technology and business strategies are the main drivers of location-based service development. To improve location-based services in New Zealand, the most significant factor may be relevant legislation which needs to cover two points: 1) Legislation to enforce wireless operators to provide mobile emergency services to ensure civil safety; 2) Creating a competitive market environment that inspires operators to adopt new technology.