Starting a Business in New Zealand
Your complete guide to legal requirements and business setup
1
Business Planning
Develop your business concept and plan
- • Market research and analysis
- • Business plan development
- • Financial projections
- • Funding requirements assessment
2
Choose Business Structure
Select the appropriate legal structure
- • Sole trader vs company decision
- • Partnership considerations
- • Trust structure evaluation
- • Tax implications assessment
3
Register Your Business
Complete required registrations
- • Company registration (if applicable)
- • Business name registration
- • IRD number application
- • GST registration (if required)
4
Legal Compliance
Ensure all legal requirements are met
- • Employment law compliance
- • Health and safety obligations
- • Industry-specific regulations
- • Consumer protection compliance
Registration Requirements
Company Registration
- ✓ Choose unique company name
- ✓ Appoint directors and shareholders
- ✓ Register with Companies Office
- ✓ Pay registration fees ($150)
- ✓ Maintain company records
Tax Registration
- ✓ Apply for IRD number
- ✓ Register for GST (if turnover >$60k)
- ✓ Set up PAYE (if employing staff)
- ✓ Understand tax obligations
- ✓ Keep accurate records
Business Name
- ✓ Check name availability
- ✓ Register business name
- ✓ Comply with naming rules
- ✓ Renew registration annually
- ✓ Display name on documents
Sole Trader
Pros:
- • Simple setup
- • Full control
- • Low costs
Cons:
- • Unlimited liability
- • Limited growth potential
Partnership
Pros:
- • Shared responsibilities
- • Combined resources
Cons:
- • Shared liability
- • Potential conflicts
Limited Company
Pros:
- • Limited liability
- • Professional image
Cons:
- • More compliance
- • Higher costs
Trust
Pros:
- • Asset protection
- • Tax benefits
Cons:
- • Complex structure
- • High setup costs
Employment Law
- • Employment agreements
- • Minimum wage compliance
- • Holiday and leave entitlements
- • Health and safety duties
- • ACC levies
Consumer Protection
- • Fair Trading Act compliance
- • Consumer Guarantees Act
- • Privacy Act requirements
- • Advertising standards
- • Contract terms fairness
Health & Safety
- • Workplace safety policies
- • Risk assessment procedures
- • Staff training requirements
- • Incident reporting
- • Regular safety reviews
Key Considerations
Business Structure Selection
Choosing the right business structure is crucial and depends on:
- Your liability tolerance
- Tax implications
- Growth and investment plans
- Compliance requirements
- Control and ownership preferences
Intellectual Property
Protect your business assets by considering:
- Trademark registration for business name/logo
- Copyright protection for creative works
- Patent applications for inventions
- Trade secret protection
- Domain name registration
Contracts and Agreements
Essential business contracts include:
- Terms and conditions of trade
- Employment agreements
- Supplier and customer contracts
- Partnership or shareholder agreements
- Lease agreements
Insurance Requirements
Consider appropriate insurance coverage:
- Public liability insurance
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Business interruption insurance
- Key person insurance
- Cyber liability insurance
Need Help Starting Your Business?
Our business lawyers can guide you through the setup process and ensure legal compliance.