Efficient business start-up

Starting up a business in New Zealand is fast and efficient - it takes just three days. The business start-up process here is one of the simplest and easiest in the OECD.

New Zealand also ranks third in the world for ease of cross-border transactions with foreign partners; ahead of Australia, the United States of America, Ireland, and Germany. (World Competitiveness Yearbook, 2005).

Deregulated labour market and competitive property prices

New Zealand ’s deregulated labour market is based on voluntary union membership, individual employment contracts, and proactive recruitment of skilled overseas workers. Our immigration policy draws skilled employees and entrepreneurs to New Zealand, and our immigration department provides facilitation services for businesses sourcing or relocating international staff.

New Zealand ’s office rental rates and industrial construction costs are amongst the lowest in the world, according to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2005. The government’s foreign ownership regime is currently being reviewed in order to maintain a liberal foreign investment environment and to reduce compliance costs where feasible.

Competitive energy and communications

New Zealand ’s deregulated energy sector and natural resources have provided the country with one of the lowest electricity costs for industrial users over the past few years.

Businesses also benefit from competition between several major telecommunications providers. Fixed-line business exchanges are price-equivalent to North America, and multiple new entrants in the broadband market are increasing the variety of technologies and services provided in urban areas.

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