Business support agencies

Government departments

(ACC) - The Accident Compensation Corporation administers New Zealand's accident compensation scheme, which provides personal injury cover for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand. Both employers and the self employed are responsible for providing a safe workplace and ACC for work-related injuries and are required to pay ACC levies.

(DOL) - The Department of Labour provides free information and help on a range of work-related topic such as safe, fair and productive workplace, job opportunities, community employment development, immigration, research and analysis and pay, parental leave and employment agreements. Look out for the award winning 'employment agreement builder'.

(ERS) - The Employment Relations Service, Department of Labour, promotes and supports fair and productive employment relationships through problem resolution, employment rights and obligations, investigation and enforcement services, mediation and information on the rights, obligations and activities of unions.

(FoRST) - The Foundation of Research Science and Technology have a primary aim to excel at their core business - investing and managing government funds in the science sector. Another key focus is to deepen their understanding of New Zealand's research, science and technology (RS&T) system, and tailor their investment approaches accordingly.

(IPONZ) - The New Zealand Intellectual Property Office provides information on patents, trademarks and designs. Here you can search the registers, pay renewal fees, file trade mark applications, and find forms and guides on intellectual property.

(IRD) - The Inland Revenue Department collects tax from individuals and businesses on behalf of the government. In running a business you need to account for income tax on your profits and the expenses/deductions you may claim against your income. IRD provides business advice and can even arrange for an advisor to come and meet with you and your employees.

(MED) - The Ministry of Economic Development aims to grow an inclusive, innovative economy for the benefit of all. Sustainable economic development is central to the achievement of this goal. The ministry leads the production and co-ordination of policy advice related to economic, regional and industry development. MED works with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to design and implement programmes that deliver the government's economic development policies.

(MFAT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade exists to promote and protect New Zealand's interests in the world. MFAT represents New Zealand in its relationships with foreign governments and organisations, including international forums such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation while advising the government on foreign, security and trade policy issues

(MoRST) - Ministry of Research Science and Technology manage the government's research, science and technology (RS&T) investment. They provide policy advice on RS&T issues. They encourage innovation and commercialisation of scientific and technological knowledge and ideas and collaborate with other government organisations where RS&T intersects with their work.

(NZTE) - New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is the New Zealand government's national economic development agency. Through a network of 48 offices worldwide, NZTE builds the economy by boosting the capability of businesses and regions and facilitating their sustained and profitable participation in overseas markets.

Services include:

business mentors (company rebuilders)
advice, training, mentoring, funding, and business and market development assistance
building the capability of businesses and regions and facilitating their sustained and profitable participation in overseas markets
enterprise training to up-skill owners/operators of small and medium-sized enterprises
investment ready workshops providing generic training and information about raising capital
Maori Trustee Training and Pacific Business Training
Exporter Education Programme provides existing and new exporters with the skills and advice to help them grow exports
the escalator service addressing the lack of access to and understanding of equity/venture capital or strategic partnerships
funding for capability building, developing international connections and high growth potential companies.

New Zealand Companies Office is responsible for the registration and maintenance of documents relating to companies and other organisations. Online services include forming, incorporating and maintaining a company, filing annual returns, company searching and reserving a company name.

WorkInfo provides information about recent changes in employment legislation.

Updated September 2008