Government business support
People and places you can contact to find out about the government support, assistance and services available to businesses and the business community in New Zealand.
Whether you're just starting out, or growing an existing business, there are tools and services to help your business thrive in challenging times.
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The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is responsible for administering New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme, including cover for work-related personal injury.
All employers and self-employed workers are responsible for providing a safe working environment for themselves and their employees, and contributing to ACC cover for work-related injuries.
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The Companies Office provides business registry services for corporate and non-corporate entities, personal property and capital market securities. The Office currently administers 17 registers including the Companies Register and the Personal Property Securities Register. Many of its services are available on the internet, including registering a company, filing annual returns, maintaining company details and searching its registers.
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The Department of Labour (DoL) provides information and guidance to businesses and employers, supporting them to create safe, fair and rewarding workplaces. This includes advising on employment relations matters, workplace health and safety, productivity, employment and labour legislation and immigration. They also assist business and industry to develop and access a skilled, innovative, and productive workforce in New Zealand.
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The Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST) is responsible for investing public funds in research, science and technology that is likely to benefit New Zealand. Their Technology New Zealand scheme is designed to support businesses and other organisations to undertake research and development projects that result in new and innovative products, processes or services.
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Global Expert is a professional search service for New Zealand organisations needing fast and confidential access to specialist knowledge. The service identifies and screens experts, from across the world, to help with a wide range of problems or opportunities. It is especially designed to help with technical challenges, product development, technology and market assessment, and international trade. The Global Expert service is provided by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology. It is easy to access and available to everyone.
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The Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) is a free service that provides local New Zealand businesses with full and fair access to government contracts and purchasing opportunities. Once registered, businesses can access the GETS website that lists current government tenders and be notified by email of the latest opportunities.
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The Industry Capability Network provides project managers and purchasers with a free sourcing service to identify New Zealand and Australian manufacturers and service providers capable of supplying products and services that would otherwise be imported.
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Inland Revenue administers the New Zealand tax system and a range of other social support programmes including the Student Loan Scheme, KiwiSaver and Child Support. When you operate a business or employ staff you have certain responsibilities in addition to those you have as an individual. Inland Revenue is there to assist you to understand and meet these.
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The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) assists with the protection of intellectual property rights in New Zealand and administers the official database of registered patents, trade marks and designs. IPONZ provides information on intellectual property matters and at the IPONZ website you can search New Zealand’s intellectual property registers, pay renewal fees, file trade mark applications, and find information on intellectual property in New Zealand.
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The Ministry for the Environment (MFE) is the government's principal adviser on matters that affect the environment. As well as providing leadership and guidance on how New Zealand can be more sustainable, they work in partnership with business and the community to protect and improve our natural environment and encourage sustainable practices.
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The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) is responsible for a range of activities that stimulate economic development in New Zealand. Its goal is to ensure New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to do business and make a real difference to the country's economic performance. It provides extensive information and services to business across a wide range of areas, including business compliance, growth and innovation, insolvency, intellectual property, and company registration.
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Te Puni Kokiri, the Ministry for Maori Development, leads and advises on policies affecting Maori wellbeing. It provides a free business development service for Maori people interested in starting a business or improving an existing business, as well as support, mentoring services, advice, and information for small and medium sized businesses and large enterprises.
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The Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST) is the government agency responsible for developing research and innovation policy, and managing the public investment in research, science and technology. It is also working to actively build stronger networks between research providers and the business sector.
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The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) delivers income support and employment services to more than one million New Zealanders. It offers a range of services to employers and industry through Work and Income. These include recruitment services, financial support to assist with the employment and training of staff, and work experience programmes.
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The New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) assists with the lawful movement of people and goods across New Zealand’s borders. If you’re involved with, or considering importing or exporting products New Zealand Customs can provide you with useful advice and information on the current rules and requirements, permits, charges, tariffs and prohibited goods.
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New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the government’s national economic development agency. It offers a range of services to new businesses and those looking to grow and internationalise, including exporters and high-growth businesses. These include providing information, training, mentoring services, advice, and funding. NZTE’s knowledge of overseas markets and its contacts overseas enable them to actively connect New Zealand businesses with trade and investment opportunities. NZTE also offers specialised services for investors looking to invest in New Zealand business ventures.
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The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an electronic register where information about security interests in personal property can be recorded and searched. Personal property includes a wide range of things including equipment, hire purchase agreements, livestock, machines, money and motor vehicles. All searches and registrations are completed electronically on the internet.
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sorted.org.nz is a independent website (funded by the government) that’s dedicated to helping Kiwis manage their money and personal finances through their lives. They provide useful tools and information on a wide range of financial topics, including budgeting, saving, asset protection, workplace saving schemes, retirement planning, investing and KiwiSaver. The information at sorted.org.nz can help you understand your options and make more informed financial decisions.
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Statistics New Zealand provides New Zealand’s official statistics. It collects, compiles, analyses, and publishes statistics on New Zealand’s economic, financial, production, environmental, and social matters. If you need information to develop your business plan, estimate the potential of your market or understand your customers better, contact Statistics New Zealand. They provide reliable, up-to-date business and industry data and a range of services to businesses.