← New Zealand hubs Make-up Artist
New Zealand English (English) $ NZD
Layla is a freelance make-up artist based in New Zealand, balancing gig work with small business ownership. This hub covers the essential national support systems, tax tools, and safety nets she relies on to keep her kit stocked and her income stable.
Managing GST and income tax as a freelancer is the biggest hurdle to staying afloat.
myIR Secure Online Services national · Inland Revenue Department
Who qualifies Every individual or business earning income in NZ.
What you get Free to use; requires RealMe login and IRD number.
Common gotcha People often forget to file a 'nil' GST return if they had no income for a period.
ACC CoverPlus national · Accident Compensation Corporation
Who qualifies Self-employed individuals.
What you get Annual levy based on your declared income.
Common gotcha You must ensure your income declaration is accurate to get full payout if injured.
Small Business Cashflow Scheme national · Inland Revenue Department
Who qualifies Small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees.
What you get Loan application via myIR; interest-free if repaid within 2 years.
Common gotcha Strict criteria regarding business viability and revenue impact.
Business.govt.nz Tools national · Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Who qualifies All NZ small business owners.
What you get Free access to all digital resources.
Common gotcha Don't just use the templates; customize them for your specific make-up kit risks.
KiwiSaver for Self-Employed national · Inland Revenue Department
Who qualifies NZ citizens or residents under 65.
What you get Voluntary contributions via bank transfer or myIR.
Common gotcha You must manually ensure you hit the contribution threshold to get the max government match.
New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) national · MBIE
Who qualifies All businesses, including sole traders.
What you get Free registration.
Common gotcha It's not the same as your IRD number; keep both separate. As a make-up artist, my body is my tool; I need affordable access to care.
Publicly Funded Health Services national · Te Whatu Ora
Who qualifies NZ citizens and permanent residents.
What you get Requires proof of residency.
Common gotcha Doesn't cover everything like dental or some elective procedures.
Community Services Card national · Ministry of Social Development
Who qualifies Low-to-middle income earners meeting specific thresholds.
What you get Application form via Work and Income.
Common gotcha Income thresholds are strict; re-apply if your income drops significantly.
Prescription Subsidy Scheme national · Pharmac
Who qualifies Anyone paying for prescriptions.
What you get Automatic tracking by your pharmacy.
Common gotcha Keep track of your receipts if you use multiple pharmacies.
National Immunisation Schedule national · Ministry of Health
Who qualifies All residents.
What you get Available at most local GPs or pharmacies.
Common gotcha Check if you qualify for the free flu jab before paying.
Access and Choice Mental Health Services national · Te Whatu Ora
Who qualifies Anyone experiencing mild to moderate mental distress.
What you get Self-referral or GP referral.
Common gotcha Wait times vary by region; call the 1737 helpline for immediate support.
Emergency Dental Care national · Work and Income
Who qualifies Low-income individuals facing emergency dental pain.
What you get Requires an assessment and quote from a dentist.
Common gotcha It is for emergency relief only, not general checkups. Freelance income is seasonal; I need to know what help is available when bookings dry up.
Jobseeker Support national · Ministry of Social Development
Who qualifies People actively looking for work or unable to work due to health.
What you get Requires proof of income and job search activity.
Common gotcha The stand-down period can be long if you have savings.
Accommodation Supplement national · Ministry of Social Development
Who qualifies Low-income renters or homeowners.
What you get Means-tested based on income and location.
Common gotcha You must declare all your assets, including business equipment.
Working for Families Tax Credits national · Inland Revenue Department
Who qualifies Families with dependent children.
What you get Calculated based on family income.
Common gotcha You must update your income estimate regularly to avoid a debt at year-end.
Special Needs Grant national · Work and Income
Who qualifies People in immediate financial crisis.
What you get Requires evidence of immediate need.
Common gotcha It is not a loan, but they will check if you have other resources first.
Student Loan Repayment Holiday national · Inland Revenue Department
Who qualifies Borrowers who are overseas or not earning above the threshold.
What you get Apply via myIR.
Common gotcha Interest may still accrue depending on your loan type.
Winter Energy Payment national · Ministry of Social Development
Who qualifies People receiving main benefits or superannuation.
What you get No application needed if you are already on a benefit.
Common gotcha It is taxed, so the net amount might be slightly less than advertised. The beauty industry changes fast; I need to keep my skills sharp.
Fees Free Tertiary Education national · Ministry of Education
Who qualifies First-time tertiary students.
What you get Check your eligibility using your National Student Number (NSN).
Common gotcha Only applies to the first year of study or equivalent.
Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund national · Tertiary Education Commission
Who qualifies People in specific trades or vocational training.
What you get Check if your make-up/beauty course is on the list.
Common gotcha The list of eligible courses changes annually.
StudyLink Student Allowance national · Ministry of Social Development
Who qualifies Full-time students meeting income criteria.
What you get Means-tested; requires proof of enrollment.
Common gotcha You must maintain a certain pass rate to keep receiving it.
NZQA Recognition of Prior Learning national · NZQA
Who qualifies Professionals with experience but no formal qualification.
What you get Application fee and portfolio assessment.
Common gotcha It's a long process; start gathering evidence early.
Te Pūkenga Short Courses national · Te Pūkenga
Who qualifies Anyone looking for vocational upskilling.
What you get Course fees vary.
Common gotcha Check if your local polytechnic offers these in-person or online.
Careers.govt.nz national · Tertiary Education Commission
Who qualifies Anyone planning their career path.
What you get Online tools and phone support.
Common gotcha The job market data is national, not always local.
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
