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Amelia is a startup founder navigating the high-stakes world of New Zealand's innovation ecosystem. This hub tracks the essential government support, regulatory obligations, and funding pathways she encounters while scaling her venture from a garage startup to a global player.
Securing non-dilutive capital is critical for early-stage R&D and scaling operations.
Research and Development Tax Incentive national · Inland Revenue & Callaghan Innovation
Who qualifies Businesses spending at least $50k on eligible R&D activities.
What you get 15% tax credit on eligible R&D expenditure.
What it actually costs you Detailed record-keeping and annual tax return filing.
Common gotcha The definition of 'eligible R&D' is strict; software development often fails if it doesn't involve technical uncertainty.
Callaghan Innovation Project Grants national · Callaghan Innovation
Who qualifies NZ-registered businesses with high growth potential and technical R&D focus.
What you get Co-funding for R&D projects, typically covering 40% of costs.
What it actually costs you Rigorous application process and milestone reporting.
Common gotcha Funding is competitive and often requires matching private investment.
NZ Growth Capital Partners national · NZ Growth Capital Partners
Who qualifies Early-stage startups seeking seed or venture capital.
What you get Access to government-backed venture capital funds.
What it actually costs you Equity dilution and pitch deck preparation.
Common gotcha They invest through private VC partners, not directly in every applicant.
NZTE International Growth Fund national · New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
Who qualifies Export-ready businesses with a clear international growth strategy.
What you get Funding support for market entry and specialized business advisory services.
What it actually costs you Strategic business plan and export readiness assessment.
Common gotcha Focuses on high-value exports; service-based businesses may struggle to qualify.
Regional Business Partner Network national · MBIE
Who qualifies SMEs needing capability building or management training.
What you get Vouchers to subsidize training and coaching services.
What it actually costs you Initial consultation with a local growth advisor.
Common gotcha Vouchers are limited and often run out early in the financial year.
NZ Screen Production Grant national · New Zealand Film Commission
Who qualifies Production companies shooting in NZ meeting spend thresholds.
What you get Cash rebate of up to 20% on qualifying NZ production expenditure.
What it actually costs you Audit of production spend and compliance with cultural test.
Common gotcha Documentation requirements for 'qualifying spend' are extremely precise. Failing to meet statutory obligations can lead to personal liability for directors.
Companies Office Registration national · MBIE
Who qualifies Any entity operating as a limited liability company.
What you get Legal incorporation and protection of limited liability.
What it actually costs you Annual filing fee of approx $60 and annual return filing.
Common gotcha Failing to update the 'Ultimate Beneficial Owner' register can result in fines.
New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) national · MBIE
Who qualifies All NZ businesses.
What you get A unique identifier to streamline interactions with government and suppliers.
What it actually costs you Free registration online.
Common gotcha Often confused with a GST number; they are distinct identifiers.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) Registration national · Inland Revenue (IRD)
Who qualifies Businesses with annual turnover exceeding $60k.
What you get Tax registration for collecting and claiming GST.
What it actually costs you Regular filing of GST returns (monthly, two-monthly, or six-monthly).
Common gotcha Forgetting to register when turnover hits the threshold is a common audit trigger.
Employment New Zealand Compliance national · Employment New Zealand
Who qualifies Any business hiring staff.
What you get Legal framework for employment contracts and minimum wage compliance.
What it actually costs you Strict adherence to the Employment Relations Act.
Common gotcha Misclassifying contractors as employees is a major legal risk.
WorkSafe Compliance national · WorkSafe NZ
Who qualifies All businesses with employees.
What you get Regulatory framework for workplace safety.
What it actually costs you Development of a Health and Safety plan and risk register.
Common gotcha Directors have a duty of 'due diligence' that cannot be delegated.
Privacy Act Compliance national · Office of the Privacy Commissioner
Who qualifies Any business handling customer data.
What you get Guidelines for data protection and breach notification.
What it actually costs you Appointing a privacy officer and maintaining a privacy policy.
Common gotcha Mandatory breach reporting is now required for serious incidents. Defending IP is essential for valuation and preventing copycats.
IPONZ Trademark Registration national · Intellectual Property Office of NZ
Who qualifies Any business with a unique brand or logo.
What you get Exclusive legal rights to use a brand name.
What it actually costs you Application fee starting at $100 per class.
Common gotcha Trademarking in NZ does not provide global protection; you must file in each country.
Patent Application national · Intellectual Property Office of NZ
Who qualifies Inventors with novel, non-obvious technical solutions.
What you get 20-year monopoly on the invention.
What it actually costs you High legal fees and patent attorney costs.
Common gotcha Public disclosure before filing kills your patentability.
Registered Design national · Intellectual Property Office of NZ
Who qualifies Businesses with unique product aesthetics.
What you get Protection for the visual appearance of a product.
What it actually costs you Application and renewal fees.
Common gotcha Does not protect the function of the product, only the look.
Copyright Guidance national · Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Who qualifies Creators of original works (software, writing, art).
What you get Automatic protection upon creation.
What it actually costs you Zero cost, but requires evidence of creation date.
Common gotcha Copyright does not protect ideas, only the expression of those ideas.
Plant Variety Rights national · IPONZ
Who qualifies Agri-tech founders developing new plant breeds.
What you get Exclusive rights to sell and propagate the variety.
What it actually costs you Rigorous testing and application fees.
Common gotcha Requires the variety to be distinct, uniform, and stable.
Customs Border Protection national · NZ Customs Service
Who qualifies IP owners facing counterfeit imports.
What you get Customs intervention to seize infringing goods.
What it actually costs you Lodging a notice of objection.
Common gotcha You must provide evidence and pay a bond to support the seizure. Accessing global talent is vital for specialized tech roles.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) national · Immigration New Zealand
Who qualifies Employers accredited to hire migrant workers.
What you get Ability to sponsor overseas talent.
What it actually costs you Accreditation fee and rigorous compliance checks.
Common gotcha The accreditation process is time-consuming and requires strict HR records.
Green List Residency national · Immigration New Zealand
Who qualifies Migrants in high-demand roles (e.g., software engineers).
What you get Fast-tracked residency pathway.
What it actually costs you Visa application fees.
Common gotcha Roles are frequently updated; check the list before promising residency.
Global Impact Visa national · Immigration New Zealand
Who qualifies Entrepreneurs accepted into approved incubator programs.
What you get 3-year work visa with a pathway to residency.
What it actually costs you Acceptance into a partner incubator.
Common gotcha Requires a formal letter of support from an approved partner.
KiwiSaver Employer Contribution national · Inland Revenue
Who qualifies All permanent employees.
What you get Statutory requirement to contribute 3% to employee retirement.
What it actually costs you Payroll administration and 3% employer contribution.
Common gotcha Employers must ensure they are deducting the correct employee rate.
ACC Employer Levies national · Accident Compensation Corporation
Who qualifies All employers.
What you get No-fault accident insurance for employees.
What it actually costs you Annual levy based on industry risk profile.
Common gotcha Misclassifying your industry code leads to overpaying levies.
PAYE Tax Deductions national · Inland Revenue
Who qualifies All employees.
What you get System for withholding income tax from salaries.
What it actually costs you Monthly filing via payday reporting.
Common gotcha Late filing triggers automatic penalties.
One honest app. Real lives, real businesses. Free for what people need, paid only for what runs a business — on our own model, our own metal.
Where we run
Bangalore + Czechia
Our own metal · GDPR · DPDPA
