News
Coronavirus: Information for Businesses
This is a special article to bring together government information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19), how it may affect your business and how you can stay up to date as new information becomes available. Updated 18 February 2020 Whether you're an employer with concerns about your staff and workplace, an exporter with overseas customers, or you are planning to travel abroad, you may ...
No Cheques from 1 March
A friendly reminder that from 1 March 2020 IRD will stop accepting payment by cheque, including cheques dated after 1 March 2020. There are several payment methods offered by IRD and the banks. Pay online through the bank You can make payments to IRD through your bank’s online banking facilities. This can be fast, easy, secure and you can post-date the payment. Pay online ...
Law updates for Landlords and Tenants
New rules now apply for when tenants are liable for property damage, requirements for insurance statements, and more. Changes include the following: Tenant liability for damage: If tenants (or their guests) damage a rental property because of careless behaviour, the tenant will be liable for the cost of the damage. This can be up to a maximum of four weeks’ rent or ...
What to think about before you start contracting
There are many benefits to working as a contractor — it can pay better than doing a similar salaried job and be more flexible. But there are hidden costs to think about, too. Here’s where you’ll find tips, information and common mistakes to help you decide if going contracting is for you. What is a contractor? Being a contractor means you: are self-employed choose ...
Working solo: Tips to stay mentally well
If you work alone or in a small team, it can be easy to neglect your own wellbeing. Here are some ways to keep you feeling well and connected. Working on your own Working for yourself can have its advantages. It can offer the flexibility to choose where and when you work, and the ability to call your own shots. But in ...
Personal Information: What it is and how to protect it
All businesses collect information about people they work with or for, eg staff, suppliers, customers. New privacy laws may affect how you collect and store personal information. But what makes information personal?The Privacy Act is changing. If you collect, store or use personal information about employees or customers, you need to know about these changes.Get ready for privacy law change. What you ...
Higher Bank Capital means Safer Banking System for all New Zealanders
5 December 2019 The Reserve Bank of New Zealand today released its final decisions following its comprehensive review of its capital framework for banks, known as the Capital Review. Governor Adrian Orr said the decisions to increase capital requirements are about making the banking system safer for all New Zealanders, and will ensure bank owners have a meaningful stake in their businesses. ...
Mandatory Barcodes for customers paying over the counter at Westpac
Customers can choose to pay their taxes over the counter (OTC) using cash or EFTPOS at a Westpac branch/smartATM even if they don’t bank with Westpac. Currently OTC payments make up less than 1% of all payments. From 1 July 2020, all OTC payments at Westpac must be accompanied by a barcode which identifies the customer, tax type and period. The ...
Trade Marks: Do you own your brand?
A great brand can set your business apart from the competition. But if you haven’t taken steps to protect your name, slogan or logo, they may not be yours. Check them now with a free online tool. Why trade marks matter A trade mark protects your logo, name or brand. It could include words, logos, shapes, colours, sounds, smells or any combination ...
Customers using Secondary Tax Codes
Some employees are using a higher tax rate, such as a secondary tax rate (ST code), to help offset tax bills based on other income they get. Law changes from 1 April 2019 mean this is no longer allowed if the income being taxed at the higher tax rate is their only source of PAYE income. If this situation affected any ...