Government resources

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (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.

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.

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.

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.

A useful summary of the government agencies and how they can help you and your business.

The introduction of the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act (2007) was designed to crack down on spam messaging. The Department of Internal Affair’s website outlines what you need to know about legal electronic messaging and how to avoid spamming.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise can guide you on exporting and importing.

For more detailed information on what your responsibilities are for importing goods for business or commercial use, Customs should be able to help you.

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.

The Ministry for Primary Industries programmes support businesses and organisations to maximise exports, improve productivity, and help grow the economy.

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 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.

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. 

DoC offers funding sources for community groups and landowners.