Last updated: 20 Jan 2012
Doing business
Current business situation
On 27 February 2009 New Zealand and Australia signed a Free Trade Agreement with the ASEAN regional block of 10 countries. The ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) aims to liberalise and facilitate trade in goods, services and investment between New Zealand, Australian and the ASEAN economies. It contains measures to improve the business environment and promote cooperation in a broad range of economic areas of mutual interest.
The Australia New Zealand Closer Economic Agreement (ANZCERTA) has also been in place since 1983. The CER between New Zealand and Australia is one of the most comprehensive, effective and WTO-compatible free trade agreements in the world.
Business culture
In general, business etiquette is very similar to Australia. Face-to-face meetings are often very important to cement business relationships and prompt replies to enquires are critical.
Generally, visits should be planned well in advance allowing up to four weeks notice of an unsolicited meeting. Occasionally, visits can be organised with two weeks notice, however, additional time is advised to ensure a smooth program. Punctuality is very important. Austrade offers services with regard to the planning and scheduling of appointments.
New Zealanders often take holidays during school holiday periods, over public holidays (eg. Easter and Christmas). Therefore visits should be avoided during these periods.
Links and resources
Government, business and trade
Ministry of Economic Development – www.med.govt.nz
New Zealand Companies Office – www.business.govt.nz/companies/
New Zealand Department of Labour – www.dol.govt.nz
The New Zealand Government – newzealand.govt.nz/
New Zealand Immigration Service – www.immigration.govt.nz
New Zealand Inland Revenue Department – www.ird.govt.nz
New Zealand Overseas Investment Commission – www.linz.govt.nz/overseas-investment/
NZ Customs Department requirements – www.customs.govt.nz
Statistics New Zealand – www.stats.govt.nz
Tenderlink – www.tenderlink.com
New Zealand Treasury – www.treasury.govt.nz
News and media
The New Zealand Herald – www.nzherald.co.nz
Independent Newspapers Limited – www.inl.co.nz
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.
Top Business Risks
Christchurch earthquake situation report
Read more detailed information about Christchurch and the latest update.
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
IP Passport fact sheets
These fact sheets outline foreign Intellectual Property (IP) regimes and some of the issues and challenges which may be faced by Australian exporters.
The current fact sheets are available on the IP Australia website.
APEC Business Travel Card Scheme
Managed by the Department of Immigration, the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme was developed to make travelling within the 21 APEC member countries much simpler and more efficient.