New Zealand has a small open economy which operates on free market principles. It has a sizable manufacturing and a large services sector complementing a highly efficient export oriented agricultural sector. Primary commodities account for more than half of total goods exports while exports of goods and services represent around one third of real expenditure GDP.

New Zealand has an open economy that works on free market principles.

Ratings by international rating agencies of NZ and selected economies

How New Zealand and comparator economies rank on the ease of doing business

There are few restrictions on establishing, owning and operating a business in New Zealand. The process of starting a business can take as little as three days.

There are a number of structures that you can choose from when starting or expanding your business in New Zealand.

Pluses and minuses of the various business structures available in New Zealand

All businesses must register with Inland Revenue for tax purposes, but companies also have to be incorporated with the Companies Office. The first step is to get an IRD number from Inland Revenue.

The Corporate Tax Rate in New Zealand stands at 28 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in New Zealand averaged 34.46 percent from 1981 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 48 percent in 1986 and a record low of 28 percent in 1988. Corporate Tax Rate in New Zealandis reported by the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department.

Corporate tax procedures in New Zealand

The Personal Income Tax Rate in New Zealand stands at 33 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in New Zealand averaged 36.41 percent from 2004 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 39 percent in 2005 and a record low of 33 percent in 2011. Personal Income Tax Rate in New Zealand is reported by the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department.

Personal tax rates and information on how to register with the IRD

The standard rate of GST (Goods and Service Tax) is 15 percent. In addition to others, zero-rated supplies include exported goods and services

A comprehensive guide to the Sales tax (VAT) in New Zealand

See Visit Australia – Business Visits

See Visit Australia – Just visiting

A guide to public transportation

Spark New Zealand (formerly Telecom New Zealand) is a New Zealand-wide communications service provider (CSP), providing fixed line telephone services

This site profiles some of the 2nd tier telcos in the New Zealand market, including CallPlus, M2, WxC, and Southern Cross Cable.

Public and private transportation information

If you are a business owner employing staff you have certain obligations to meet under the Employment Relations Act. These obligations stand regardless of whether you hire one employee part-time for two hours per day, or have multiple employees on full-time contracts.

New Zealand has a comprehensive set of employment laws that help keep workplaces fair. 

Summary of all benefits from the New Zealand government

New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are entitled to apply for unemployment benefit (or ‘ dole’) and no history of contributions or tax deductions is required to make a claim.

New Zealand is a relatively safe travel destination but we are not crime free. It is important you take the same precautions to look after yourself and your possessions as you would at home.

Schools provide the second level of education. Free education is provided to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents in state (government owned and funded) schools between the ages of five and 19. The education system for schools comprises 13 Year levels. Schooling is compulsory from ages six to 16 (which for most students is Year 11) although most students carry on to Years 12 and 13.

Cost of living information includes price indices for rent, food, utilities, transportation, restaurants, clothing and more

Overall the cost of living in New Zealand is comparable to what you’ll find in any OECD country.

The dos and don’ts of business etiquette in New Zealand

A guide to business meeting behavior

Climate: New Zealand’s maritime climate is temperate with an average of roughly 2000 sunshine hours a year. New Zealand’s seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere’s – summer starts in December, autumn in March, winter in June and spring is September.January and February are the warmest months, with July the coldest. Overall, the climate is fairly mild with few extremes of temperatures.

New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the country. New Zealand’s climate is dominated by two main geographical features: the mountains and the sea.

US Department of State – Go to Safety and Security for updates from the Australian government

Schedule of national holidays and observances

National bank holidays, statutory holidays, Auckland Anniversary Day. Regional holiday dates observed in New Zealand

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

Demographic facts and figures from the CIA

New Zealand’s education system has 3 levels and reflects our unique and diverse society.

Businesses considering importing should be aware of government regulations, duty taxes, permits, and quarantine and treatments that apply to imported goods.

Importing or exporting can be a great way to tap into new markets and expand your business – but there are some obligations to be aware of and some common pitfalls to avoid. Find out what you need to know before exploring overseas markets.

Trade relationships and agreements from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) assist New Zealand traders (exporters and importers) by providing improved access to partner markets, and reducing trade barriers (such as Customs procedures) in those markets.

House and apartment information.

New Zealand accommodation options are diverse, with something for every level of comfort and budget.

Travel information from the official New Zealand travel web site

From the Bay of Islands’ pristine beaches in the north to the soaring pinnacles of Milford Sound in the south, New Zealand is a stunner.