Government resources
Here are some useful resources from the government that may help your business.
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:
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:
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.
Exporting and Importing – New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, New Zealand Customs Service
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise can guide you on exporting and importing:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
Anti-Spam – The Department of Internal Affairs
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:
Other Government Services
A useful summary of the government agencies and how they can help you and your business is here:
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