Mindset courses can help you develop the right psychological attitudes to achieve success in your field or industry. They’re all about cultivating the right mental and emotional attributes to achieve professional growth, overcome challenges, and maximise potential. Here’s what you’ll learn on a mindset course: Adopting a growth mindset You’ll learn all about adopting a…
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Property sales on IRD radar
Buying or selling a home? You’ll now need to provide your IRD number as part of the transaction process. The change will allow IRD to know who’s flipping owner-occupier homes on a regular basis, and better enforce the existing law that ensures people pay tax on the profit. The move won’t impact the rules…
The New Employment Leave Act: What’s Replacing the Holidays Act 2003
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 IRD Updates
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…
From SEO to GEO: AI is changing the way customers find your business
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…
Data security and privacy risks you can’t ignore
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…
The down low on the new digital nomad tax
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…
Can you take a break from tech?
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…
Want to end on a high note? Support your team's mental health
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…
The do's and don'ts of holiday sale specials
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.…
'Tis the season for giving... but what can you claim back
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…
How to survive the Christmas cash flow crunch
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…
Where do you sit on the Business Barometer?
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,…
Tax and Cash Flow Planning
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…
Niching, Micro-Influencers, and TikTok can grow your business
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…
Think you’re ready to grow? Ask yourself these 4 questions first.
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…
Are your ads playing by the rules?
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…
Government Grants, Loans, and Support Programmes
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…
Commercial Property and Businesses Changes
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…
Have you refreshed your website lately?
Have regular clients dropped off the face of the earth? Struggling to gain new business online? Your website could be the cause of your problems. The worst thing you can do with your website is to set and forget. Your site should be regularly updated to ensure it features prominently in search engine rankings. If…
The perks of tax pooling
Keeping a lump of cash aside to pay provisional tax on your Inland Revenue due dates can be challenging for any business, especially if you have cashflow issues and need money on hand. For some companies and sole traders, tax pooling is the perfect solution. What’s tax pooling? Being part of a tax pool provides…
Two courses to better your business
Continuous training and improvement can set your business apart from the competition, giving you new tools to take on challenges and attract talent and customers. The Icehouse Leadership Development Programme The Icehouse is one of New Zealand’s top providers of business training, and its Auckland-based Leadership Development Programme is aimed at professionals who want to…
Minimum wage set to change: what you need to know
The government has announced an increase to the minimum wage that will kick in from April 1. The adult minimum wage will rise by $0.45 an hour, taking it up to $23.15 an hour. This will mean additional costs for many businesses. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said that “a cautious approach…
Mixed-use asset rule change explained
April 1 marks a significant change in the GST tax treatment of mixed-use assets. Taxpayers can claim 100% of GST for expenses relating to the income-earning use of a mixed-use asset, for example, the cost of advertising a holiday home online. However, working out GST claims for expenses relating to both the income-earning and private…
What to know if you rent out your holiday home or provide services online
Do you rent out a bach on Airbnb or do some driving on Uber for extra income? Additional tax changes could affect you that need to know about. From 1 January this year, platforms such as Uber and Airbnb will collect information from their users including sales income and IRD numbers, and will be required…
Digital snapshot: The do's and don’ts of ChatGPT
Everyone is talking about the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, a new tool that can do just about anything, from generating letter templates to answering questions. ChatGPT is a fantastic free tool for any business. Here are some ways it can help you — and what you shouldn’t do with it. DO Use it to check…
Your 12-point checklist to stay ahead on tax
1. Contracts Have you invoiced retentions that don’t need to be paid until next year? If they are payable this tax year, they will be classed as taxable income for 2023-24. Unsure? Talk to us as your tax adviser. 2. Employee expenses and holiday pay Holiday pay, bonuses, redundancy payments, and long service leave owed…
Some common things businesses forget at tax time
Running a business is a demanding job, so it’s no wonder owners lose track of crucial things at tax time, such as: Deducting entertainment expenses Dinner and lunch meetings with clients and customers are partially tax deductible. Keep your receipts and check in with us to see which meetings can be deducted. Bear in mind…
What policy changes might affect your business?
Our Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has his feet firmly under the table, so what major policy changes will affect your business? National outlined some of the headline changes it wanted to make within its first 100 days in power. The National-led coalition government have some well underway. Here are some of the major changes businesses…
What property investors need to know
At this early stage, there will always be unknowns as ministers assess new legislation and review existing policies. One key area to watch will be the tax treatment of property investors. National plans to shorten the bright-line test for property investors to two years from 10 years, returning the law to its 2015 setting. from…
Fringe Benefit Tax exemptions you may have missed
Last April, new Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) rules came into effect that could be relevant to your business and employees. Here’s a summary of the three new exemptions that may have gone under your radar: Employer-subsidised public transport (mainly for the purpose of travelling between home and work). The provision of self-powered (bicycles) or low-powered…
How to deal with economic uncertainty
With political changes and an economic slowdown to contend with, we’re in pretty unpredictable waters. Here are some tips on managing your team in times of uncertainty: Support staff wellbeing Talk to staff about wellbeing regularly and openly. Let your team know it’s okay to feel stress or anxiety. Regularly remind your people where to…
Digital snapshot: the Xero app store
Whether your business is in retail, farming, or finance there’s no shortage of digital tools to improve efficiency, productivity, and performance. In a tough business environment, the right digital tools can give your company the edge over your rivals and take you to the next level. Innovative apps in nearly every industry have emerged over…
Your small business Christmas checklist
Christmas lists aren’t just for kids and Santa Claus. Before summer arrives, tick off our small business Christmas checklist to ensure you’re in the best possible shape for the year ahead. Plan cash flow Make sure your business has enough funds on hand to pay suppliers over Christmas and January, remembering your tax obligations in…
FBT vs PAYE vs Entertainment Expenditure
In the context of Christmas parties, gifts, and staff bonuses, various taxation rules come into play, namely the entertainment rules, PAYE, and FBT. The entertainment rules place a 50% deductibility restriction on certain expenditures related to recreational events, such as Christmas parties or corporate hospitality. This limitation is grounded in the recognition that…
What new migrant worker law means for your business
Do you employ migrant workers? You need to be aware of the Worker Protection (Migrant and Other Employees) Act, which comes into force on January 6. The law, which amends the Immigration Act 2009, Employment Relations Act 2000 and Companies Act, will introduce a tough penalty regime to deter the exploitation of migrant staff. What…
Your business leadership checklist
Great business leaders come in many different forms, from visionaries like Apple founder Steve Jobs to big personalities like Virgin’s Richard Branson and diversity champions such as former Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg. A business leader should bring people together, have staff working towards a common goal, and keep people updated about where a company is…
Five ways to improve diversity in your business
Studies show that diversity and inclusion in the workplace can lead to better business results. Here are five ways to enhance diversity in your organisation: Cultivate an inclusive cultureEmployees should be encouraged to share ideas without fear of judgement. Create an open environment that celebrates different perspectives and backgrounds. Diverse recruitment strategiesIntroduce diverse recruitment strategies…
Time to review your health and safety plan?
Good health and safety (H&S) practice is a vital part of any business, but when was the last time you checked your company’s health and safety plan? Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, both “Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking” (PCBU) and workers (including employees and contractors) have health and safety duties…
Fair Pay Agreements - what you need to know
New fair pay agreements (FPA) law came into effect on December 1 last year, marking the biggest shakeup in New Zealand employment in decades. Six months on, how could your business be affected? What’s an FPA? The new fair pay agreements law allows employees to bargain collectively for industry- or occupation-wide minimum employment terms, such…
The difference between employees and contractors
Does your business use both employees and contractors? It’s important to distinguish between them as they are paid and taxed differently. Despite what you may call the individual concerned, that description is not definitive. If the status of the worker is questioned in the Employment Court or Employment Relations Authority, for example, the Employment…
Uber court case
Employees and contractors, Last October, four New Zealand Uber drivers won a landmark case against the ridesharing app, which has them as employees, not contractors. The decision enables these workers to claim rights and protections as Uber employees. The ruling has broader implications for Kiwi businesses and how staff are categorised. Employment status entitles workers…
Mastering the art of email marketing
Putting together the perfect marketing email is a fine art. Here’s a six-step process to crafting the best customer messages to boost your sales. 1. Determine the goal of your campaignDon’t just put any message out there. Make it targeted and know your goal. Are you looking to educate or re-engage customers? Are you…
2023 Year End - Tax Planning Checklist
2023 Year End – Tax Planning Checklist For year ending 31 March 2023 Below is a checklist of matters relevant to all business entities which you should consider, some of which may help you reduce the amount of tax you have to pay. Provisional Tax Elections and Use of Money Interest and the 39%…
GST and the new Airbnb/Uber Tax
GST and the new Airbnb/Uber Tax If you offer accommodation or ride share services in New Zealand via an electronic marketplace (e.g., Airbnb or Uber), new GST changes will impact on you from 1 April 2024, although the National Party has stated it will repeal the change if they are elected to Government in October…
Fundamental GST changes coming your way
Fundamental GST changes coming your way Ever since GST was first introduced in 1985, businesses have become very familiar with various aspects of GST which have been fundamental to meeting their GST compliance obligations. Under the guise of “modernising GST” the Inland Revenue is introducing a number of invoicing and record keeping changes that…
Accounting for Buying or Selling a Businesses
Accounting for Buying or Selling a Businesses Buying or selling a business from an accounting perspective isn’t as straightforward as you may think. It is important to consider all aspects and ensure the details are correct from the beginning to avoid an unexpected tax bill once the transaction is complete. In particular it…
Tips to get your business ready for year-end and the year ahead
Tips to get your business ready for year-end and the year ahead The 2023 financial year-end is just around the corner. Now is the time to ensure you work through a year-end process (see below) to maximise your tax deductions and minimise your tax bill. Now is also a good time to finalise goals for…
Import supplies? Customs rules are changing
In the past, the New Zealand Customs Service has allowed businesses to combine the value of small shipments containing a number of low-value items, such as spare parts, when the value for duty of any item listed on an invoice did not exceed the equivalent of NZ$25. Historically, Customs allowed the items to be…
Get paid faster with eInvoicing
If you’re tired of chasing invoices and late payments, eInvoicing could make your life easier and save you money. With eInvoicing, digital systems talk to one another seamlessly over a universal network, ensuring payment information is exchanged more quickly and accurately. Businesses no longer need to generate paper-based invoices or email PDFs, and buyers…
Should your business go ‘remote-first’?
Since the last of New Zealand’s lockdowns, many businesses have ditched remote working for good. But what are the benefits of taking a ‘remote-first’ approach? Around the world, an increasing number of companies are making remote working the default option for staff, abandoning the office completely in favour of a more flexible model. With…