New Zealand hubs

Chloe

Event Planner

New ZealandEnglish (English)$ NZD

Chloe is a freelance event planner in New Zealand, juggling client contracts, tax filings, and the occasional need for health support. This hub covers the essential national systems she interacts with to keep her business compliant and her personal life stable.

Keeping the business afloat

Managing GST, income tax, and business registration is the backbone of her freelance career.

GST Registration

national · Inland Revenue Department

Who qualifies
Businesses with annual turnover exceeding $60,000.
What you get
Ability to claim back GST on business expenses.
What it actually costs you
Free to register; requires quarterly or monthly filing.
Common gotcha
Forgetting that GST is collected on behalf of the IRD, not extra profit.

New Zealand Business Number

national · MBIE

Who qualifies
All businesses operating in New Zealand.
What you get
A unique identifier to simplify interactions with government and suppliers.
What it actually costs you
Free; takes 5 minutes online.
Common gotcha
Confusing it with a company registration number.

ACC Business Levies

national · Accident Compensation Corporation

Who qualifies
All self-employed individuals.
What you get
Cover for personal injury costs regardless of fault.
What it actually costs you
Annual levy based on your income and industry risk.
Common gotcha
Not updating your income estimate, leading to a surprise bill.

myIR Secure Online Services

national · Inland Revenue Department

Who qualifies
All taxpayers.
What you get
Centralized portal for tax returns, student loans, and family credits.
What it actually costs you
Requires RealMe login.
Common gotcha
Losing access to the authenticator app.

Companies Register

national · Companies Office

Who qualifies
Those choosing to incorporate as a limited liability company.
What you get
Legal separation of personal and business assets.
What it actually costs you
Annual filing fee of approximately $50.
Common gotcha
Failing to file the annual return on time results in deregistration.

Small Business Cashflow Scheme

national · Inland Revenue Department

Who qualifies
Small businesses impacted by economic conditions.
What you get
Low-interest business loans.
What it actually costs you
Requires detailed financial records for application.
Common gotcha
Strict repayment terms if revenue targets aren't met.

Staying healthy while working long hours

Event planning is physically demanding; knowing how to access public health is vital.

Te Whatu Ora Public Health

national · Te Whatu Ora

Who qualifies
All citizens and permanent residents.
What you get
Free or subsidized hospital care and emergency services.
What it actually costs you
Requires enrollment with a GP.
Common gotcha
Wait times for non-urgent elective surgeries.

PHARMAC Subsidies

national · PHARMAC

Who qualifies
Anyone with a prescription from a registered doctor.
What you get
Reduced cost for essential medications.
What it actually costs you
Standard co-payment per prescription item.
Common gotcha
Not all medications are subsidized.

Access and Choice Programme

national · Te Whatu Ora

Who qualifies
Anyone experiencing mild to moderate mental health distress.
What you get
Free, short-term counseling sessions.
What it actually costs you
Referral from a GP or self-referral in some regions.
Common gotcha
High demand can lead to waiting lists.

National Screening Programmes

national · National Screening Unit

Who qualifies
Age-appropriate residents for breast, cervical, and bowel screening.
What you get
Free preventative health checks.
What it actually costs you
Time for appointments.
Common gotcha
Missing the invitation letter in the mail.

Healthline

national · Te Whatu Ora

Who qualifies
Anyone in New Zealand.
What you get
24/7 free health advice from registered nurses.
What it actually costs you
A phone call.
Common gotcha
It is not an emergency service; call 111 for life-threatening issues.

Primary Maternity Services

national · Te Whatu Ora

Who qualifies
Pregnant residents.
What you get
Free pregnancy and birth care.
What it actually costs you
Registration with a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC).
Common gotcha
Finding an LMC early in pregnancy is critical.

Proving who I am

Essential for contracts, travel, and banking.

RealMe

national · Department of Internal Affairs

Who qualifies
All residents.
What you get
Single secure login for all government services.
What it actually costs you
Verification of ID documents.
Common gotcha
The 'Verified' status requires an in-person or online identity check.

New Zealand Passport

national · Department of Internal Affairs

Who qualifies
Citizens.
What you get
International travel document.
What it actually costs you
Fee of $206 (standard).
Common gotcha
Processing times can spike before holidays.

Birth Certificate

national · Births, Deaths and Marriages

Who qualifies
Anyone born in NZ.
What you get
Proof of identity and citizenship.
What it actually costs you
Approximately $33.
Common gotcha
Need a 'printout' for some legal purposes, not just the decorative certificate.

NZ Driver Licence

national · NZ Transport Agency

Who qualifies
Residents 16+.
What you get
Legal right to drive and valid photo ID.
What it actually costs you
Testing and renewal fees.
Common gotcha
Expired licenses are invalid for ID purposes.

SuperGold Card

national · Ministry of Social Development

Who qualifies
Those 65+ or receiving NZ Superannuation.
What you get
Discounts on transport and services.
What it actually costs you
Application process.
Common gotcha
Not all retailers offer the discount; always ask.

Citizenship Certificate

national · Department of Internal Affairs

Who qualifies
Permanent residents applying for citizenship.
What you get
Legal proof of NZ citizenship.
What it actually costs you
Application fee and ceremony attendance.
Common gotcha
Long processing times for applications.

When things get tight

Even planners have slow months; knowing the safety net is important.

Working for Families

national · Inland Revenue Department

Who qualifies
Families with dependent children under 18.
What you get
Tax credits to assist with living costs.
What it actually costs you
Annual income assessment.
Common gotcha
Underestimating income leads to a debt to the IRD at year-end.

KiwiSaver

national · Inland Revenue / Providers

Who qualifies
Employees and self-employed.
What you get
Retirement savings scheme with government contributions.
What it actually costs you
Voluntary contributions for self-employed.
Common gotcha
Choosing a high-fee fund can eat your returns.

Accommodation Supplement

national · Ministry of Social Development

Who qualifies
Those struggling with rent or mortgage costs.
What you get
Weekly payment to assist with housing.
What it actually costs you
Means-tested application.
Common gotcha
Strict asset and income limits.

Student Loan Scheme

national · Inland Revenue Department

Who qualifies
Tertiary students.
What you get
Interest-free loans for study fees and living costs.
What it actually costs you
Repayment starts once you earn above a threshold.
Common gotcha
Interest is charged if you move overseas.

Jobseeker Support

national · Ministry of Social Development

Who qualifies
Those actively seeking work.
What you get
Weekly benefit payment.
What it actually costs you
Regular meetings with a case manager.
Common gotcha
Strict work-search obligations.

Emergency Benefit

national · Ministry of Social Development

Who qualifies
Those in hardship who don't qualify for other benefits.
What you get
Discretionary financial assistance.
What it actually costs you
Detailed hardship assessment.
Common gotcha
It is a last-resort option.