Blog

  AI adoption doesn’t always happen through a carefully planned rollout. It can start with someone using ChatGPT to polish an email, Copilot to summarise a document, or an AI transcription tool to take meeting notes. Before long, AI will be part of how your business operates, whether you’ve formally decided how it should be…

  Operating at a loss isn’t always a sign that something’s wrong. It can happen when you’re finding your feet, investing in growth or changing direction. But if your business is consistently spending more than it earns, it’s time to find out why. What’s behind the loss? Cash flow. If payments are consistently coming in…

  If your financial year ends on 31 March, you’re halfway through: six months of data to review, and six months to address any issues before year-end. 1. Review your numbers How does actual revenue compare with your April budget? If it’s up, look at what is driving that growth. If it’s down, work out…

  If managing health and safety has ever felt like a lot of paperwork for relatively minor risks, you’ll want to know about the upcoming changes. The Health and Safety at Work Act has been amended to put greater emphasis on workplace risks that could cause serious harm, with the new rules taking effect from…

  Holiday spending can feel a little murky when you’re running a business, particularly when it comes to gifts, bonuses and entertainment. What’s deductible? What attracts FBT? And what counts as income? Here’s how some of the most common festive expenses are treated. Client gifts Food and drink (think wine, chocolates or a Christmas hamper)…

  As Kiwi businesses continue to face rising costs, high interest rates, and cautious consumer spending, many are reviewing their operating models. For some, that means restructuring. If you’re considering changes to roles or staffing levels, it’s important to understand your obligations as an employer. Here’s what you need to know about restructuring your business…

  Has your company been struck off, or is it looking to be removed from the Companies Office Register? Be aware that the most recent Budget affects company shareholders, directors and associated persons with outstanding loan balances where a company is removed from the Companies Office Register. If the loan is still owing six months…

  Hiring the wrong person can be expensive, which was one of the arguments for reintroducing 90-day trial periods in December 2023. The key is not to view the trial period as a safety net, but as an opportunity for both you and your new employee to make sure the role is the right fit.…

  The Employment Leave Bill is currently making its way through Parliament and, if passed, will replace the Holidays Act 2003. The proposed legislation includes several changes to the way leave is taken and paid. Leave entitlements under the new Bill… Annual and sick leave would accrue in hours, starting from an employee’s first day…

  Diversity discussions often centre around fairness and inclusiveness, but a lesser-known fact is that it is also excellent for your bottom line. Different people approach problems from fresh angles, spot opportunities others might miss, and challenge assumptions that lead to groupthink. You don’t need to become an expert in personalities, generations, or neurodiversity to…

  Much of the discussion following Budget 2026 focused on government spending, public sector restraint, and the projected return to surplus. However, beneath those headline announcements sits a substantial package of tax reforms that will affect business owners, investors, charities, and working families over the next several years. While tax rates remain unchanged, a number…

  Home office claims aren’t one-size-fits-all. Before submitting your info, it’s a great idea to review your setup and run through the following: What percentage of your home is used for business purposes? Don’t have a dedicated workspace? Your calculations should reflect the area you do use, and the time you spend working from home.…

  If you’ve had any changes to your business assets, we’ll need to update your asset register and apply the correct depreciation. To help us do this, please have the following information available: Details of any asset purchases or disposals (e.g. vehicles, equipment, machinery) Purchase invoices Purchase date, cost, and whether the asset is used…

  Following Royal Assent, the Employment Relations Amendment Bill officially came into effect on 21 February 2026, introducing significant reforms to the Employment Relations Act 2000. These updates are designed to enhance labour market flexibility and strengthen business confidence. Below is a summary of the key changes employers need to be aware of:   A…

  Use this list as a starter to flag anything relevant to your business, gather the right information, and avoid last-minute surprises. Provisional tax If you’re paying provisional tax, please check that your instalments are up to date. And if your income this year was significantly higher or lower than expected, let us know: this…

  To help us apply the correct claim and IRD rates to your motor vehicle, we’ll want to know: Your odometer reading on 31 March The total kilometres travelled for the year Your business kilometres travelled during the year Whether you’ve exceeded 14,000 business kilometres (this affects whether Tier 2 IRD rates apply) Whether any vehicles were purchased or sold during the year. Tracking…

  New Employment Leave Act (Replacing the Holidays Act 2003) The government has agreed to repeal and replace the Holidays Act 2003 with a new Employment Leave Act that aims to simplify the law and make leave entitlements clearer and fairer for employers and employees. The new legislation is expected to be finalised through the…

  2026 Thresholds and Rates Inland Revenue and government agencies have released updated thresholds and key compliance changes taking effect from early 2026. Below is a summary of the new rates to help you prepare for the upcoming financial year. ACC Earners’ Levy (2025/26 Income Year) Earners’ levy rate: 1.67% from 1 April 2026 (up…

  For over a decade, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) has been a major part of a business’s digital presence. Techniques like keyword research, metadata, and backlinks have helped websites appear on the first page of Google for relevant searches. You’ve probably either dabbled in SEO yourself or hired someone to help push your website up…

  Cyber incidents are becoming more common and more sophisticated. Even a single breach can lead to financial loss and reputational damage, and it often starts with something as simple as a weak password or a convincing email. This year, keep an eye out for: Email-based scams Phishing is still the top digital threat, with…

  In the August 2025 Tax Bill, the Government proposed new rules for digital nomads, paving the way for overseas remote workers to spend longer periods of time in New Zealand. Once in place, this bill will allow eligible visitors who work solely for an overseas employer or overseas clients to be treated as non-residents…

  If you run a small or medium-sized business, your brain is probably always half in your inbox. The trouble is, constant connection quickly drains your focus and energy. A few tiny breaks from tech each day can reset your head, your mood, and the way you show up for your team. Here are six…

The final stretch of the year can be hectic: deadlines loom, inboxes overflow, and everyone’s racing to wrap things up before the holidays. Add in a packed social calendar, and it’s no surprise stress levels start to soar. It’s tempting to just push through the silly season, but looking after your people now helps them…

When run right, Christmas promotions don’t just boost sales, they build trust that lasts well beyond the festive season. Follow these five simple rules to spread holiday cheer without a compliance headache. Do: offer genuine holiday discounts and Christmas bundle deals. Don’t: hike your prices beforehand to make your discounts look better than they are.…

Gifts, bonuses, parties, and more: here’s a brief breakdown of what you can and can’t claim this festive season. Employee gifts Gifts that are not subject to the entertainment tax rules (vouchers, hampers, flowers) are fully deductible and exempt from Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) if they cost less than $300 per employee per quarter, and…

While retailers race through their busiest time of year, not every business benefits from the Christmas rush. Many service-based, wholesale, or manufacturing businesses might even face a sharp decline in orders just when holiday pay, bonuses, and annual shutdowns see expenses rise. Forecast to February Projecting your income and expenses well into the new year…

How are you feeling about your business right now? Are you on solid financial footing, or taking a more cautious approach? Is demand steady, growing, or unpredictable? Business confidence is a key economic indicator, and right now in New Zealand, the latest data paint a mixed picture: Signs of recovery – After a slow period,…

A new tax year isn’t just about compliance — it’s a chance to strengthen your financial foundation, optimise cash flow, and reduce stress. Smart planning now can set your business up for long-term success. STEP 1: GET TAX-READY A fresh financial year isn’t just about keeping up with tax rules—it’s a chance to set stronger…

  Some of today’s most effective business strategies come straight from Gen Z playbooks, but they’re not just for the young. These three trends are helping all sorts of businesses connect with customers in smarter, more authentic ways. Find your niche If you’re trying to appeal to everyone but getting lost in the crowd, it…

  Growth is exciting, and with the right planning, it can be a turning point for your business. But whether you’re taking on more clients, expanding your services, or launching into a new market, it’s important to first make sure your financial foundations are solid enough to support what’s next. Here are four key questions…

You’re not trying to deceive anyone; you just want to stand out in a crowded market. But under the Fair Trading Act, even well-meaning marketing can land you in hot water with the Commerce Commission if it’s misleading. Overpromising If it sounds too good to be true, the Commerce Commission takes notice. Be careful with…

There are a number of government grants, loans, and support programmes in New Zealand for businesses looking to expand globally. Below is a summary of key options, particularly relevant for businesses making an international push: 1. Callaghan Innovation – Research and Development Support If your global play involves innovation, R&D, or tech development: R&D Tax…

If you’re investing in commercial property, keep your eyes peeled for further details about the new Investment Boost from Budget 2025. From 22 May 2025, for new commercial and industrial buildings (not residential), IRD says businesses can claim 20% of the cost of new assets as a tax deduction – provided they’re used or available…