Join the KiwiSaver scheme others look up to
Government resources
Here are some useful resources from the government that may help your business.
Business Advice and Support
Business.govt.nz has information and tools designed specifically for small and
Companies Database
The Companies Office is the official register for all companies in New Zealand. You can search for companies, company directors or shareholders. And if you’re starting a new company, this is where you need to register it:
Business Tax
One thing you can’t avoid, especially as a business owner, is
Patents, Trademarks and Copyright
Intellectual property can be your business’ most valuable asset. To ensure that your ideas and your business are adequately protected, and to find out more about patents, trademarks, copyright and design, head to:
Business Growth
Ministry of Business, Innovation
MBIE offer a range of legal, statistical and economical information resources that aims to support business growth. From information about the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund, to support with becoming an international business, head here:
Statistics New Zealand
Statistic New Zealand offers useful statistical information which can be used to
Market Competition
If you are a business owner, you need to be aware of your rights and responsibilities under the Commerce Act and the Fair Trading Act.
Consumer Laws
To see what your rights and responsibilities are as a business owner towards your consumers, and for advice on how to deal with customer complaints, head to:
Other Government Services
A useful summary of the government agencies and how they can help you and your business is here:
Anti-Spam
The Department of Internal Affairs
The introduction of the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act (2007) was designed to crack down on spam
Exporting and Importing
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise can guide you on exporting and importing:
New Zealand Customs Service
And for more detailed information on what your responsibilities are for importing goods for business or commercial use, Customs should be able to help you:
Innovation
Callaghan Innovation funds incubators and accelerators across the country. Incubators are for those with a great idea, or a new business that’s growing fast. The aim is to help flesh out that great idea and provide links to people who can help you get it to market. Find out more here:
Primary Industries
Ministry of Primary Industries
The Ministry for Primary Industries programmes support businesses and organisations to maximise exports, improve productivity, and help grow the economy. For information on their programmes, head here:
Start-ups
If you're starting your own business, Work and Income may be able to help with developing a business plan, training in business skills, advice and project reports. Find out more here:
Environment and Conservation
Ministry for the Environment (MFE)
Find out about the range of funds MFE offer and how to apply for funding. You'll also be able to see profiles on projects that have received funding.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)
Investing in energy efficiency can deliver returns for your business. EECA funding and loans can help you identify such opportunities and build a business case for investment. Find out more here:
Department of Conservation (DoC)
DoC offers funding sources for community groups and landowners. Find out more here: