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Key regulatory barriers to consider before commencing business in New Zealand Overseas Investment Office (OIO) con­sent may be required if target businesses possess signifi­cant business assets, where the cost of a business acqui­sition, or the value of the applicable New Zealand assets, exceeds NZD100 million. It is also required for an interest in sensitive land, or a fishing quota. All applicants for consent are required to meet the investor criteria of business experience and acumen, financial com­mitment and good character. They must not be ineligible individuals under the Immigration Act. Transactions occurring outside New Zealand may still require OIO consent if the target business has interests in land or other assets in New Zealand. OIO implications for offshore transactions should be assessed early in the transaction process to ensure that timeframes do not cause unnecessary delays. The consent application process is administered by the OIO and governed by the Overseas Investment Act … Read More

Overseas Investors in New Zealand Overseas persons can own assets and operate businesses in New Zealand, although overseas entities will need to obtain a New Zealand tax number and may be required to register for NZ Goods and Services Tax. Overseas companies and limited partnerships which intend to carry on business directly in New Zealand need to register with the New Zealand Companies Office. NZX operates the two main capital markets in New Zea­land. The NZX Main Board, New Zealand’s principal mar­ket for equity securities, has around 160 issuers, which al­lows investors to trade in some New Zealand’s largest and most well-known companies, while the NZX Debt Market, allows investors to trade in a wide variety of debt securi­ties, including New Zealand government bonds. There are several governmental bodies that can assist overseas investors to set up or manage investments in New Zealand. The New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) … Read More

New Zealand is second amongst OECD countries for the competitiveness of its taxes overall according to the Tax Foundation’s 2016 International Tax Competitiveness Index (ITCI). Transparency International’s 2017 Corruption Perception Index ranked New Zealand the least corrupt country in the world. New Zealand’s unmatched quality of life and thriving but stable business environment makes it an ideal destination for savvy investors and entrepreneurs. The New Zealand Government actively promotes growth and innovation with a range of business and migrant-friendly policies. There are investment opportunities in many fields, in both traditional business sectors and in new, often highly in­novative areas. Just some of the areas where New Zea­land is doing exceptionally well include information and communications technology, tourism, film and special ef­fects production, biotechnology, agricultural research, and wood-based technology. New Zealand benefits greatly from its ties in the Asia-Pa­cific Region – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which it … Read More

Tips for doing business in Asia Pacific – cultural points you need to be aware New Zealand culture values fairness, ingenuity, practicality, modesty, restraint and informality. English is the everyday language but Māori and sign language are also recognised as official languag­es. New Zealand aspires to be a multi-cultural society, with record immigration numbers over the last five years from all over the world adding greatly to this goal. We accord a special significance to Māori culture, reflecting Māori status as the indigenous people of the land. New Zealanders can be somewhat reserved, especially with people they do not know. Once they develop a per­sonal relationship, they are generally very friendly, outgo­ing and social. Expect to receive respect from people and try to focus on being honest, direct, and demonstrating a sense of humour. Locals will trust you until they are given a reason not to. With regard to doing … Read More