Government resources

Business Advice and Support

Business.govt

Business.govt.nz has information and tools designed specifically for small and medium sized businesses and the people who support them. From free advice on government grants for small businesses, to information on mentoring services for business owners, head here:

• New Zealand Government Business website
• New Zealand Story website

Companies Database 

Companies Office

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:

• New Zealand Companies Office website

Business Tax

Inland Revenue

One thing you can’t avoid, especially as a business owner, is tax. The Inland Revenue (IRD) has lots of tools for businesses, with advice on how to manage your business tax and what to do if you employ staff.

• Inland Revenue website

Patents, Trademarks and Copyright

Intellectual Property Office

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:

• Intellectual Property Office website

Business Growth

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

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:

• Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website

Statistics New Zealand

Statistic New Zealand offers useful statistical information which can be used to analyse the marketplace. For example, their Industry Profiler can give you stats on small businesses by industry and region, and compare numbers of new businesses, worker turnover, survival rates, and average earnings for staff, and their Market Mapper can help you locate your target market.

• Statistics New Zealand website

Market Competition

The Commerce Commission

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.

• Commerce Commission website

Consumer Laws 

Consumer Affairs

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:

• Consumer Protection website

Other Government Services

A useful summary of the government agencies and how they can help you and your business is here:

• New Zealand Government website

Innovation

Callaghan 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:

• Callaghan Innovation website

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:

• Ministry of Primary Industries website

Start-ups

Work and Income

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:

• Work and Income website

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.

• Ministry for the Environment (MFE)

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:

• Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)

Department of Conservation (DoC)

DoC offers funding sources for community groups and landowners. Find out more here:

• Department of Conservation (DoC)