Useful Websites
This is the Government portal which has many free resources, tools and information for businesses including: Creating an Emplyoment Agreement and the Digital Boost initiative.
For all your tax compliance and questions.
Explore the latest employment-related news, information and resources.
Ministry of Social Development works to provide: employment, income support and superannuation, funding to community service providers and student allowances and loans.
The Manufacturer's Network is a group of manufacturers who want to grow their business and the economy.
For health and safety advice and resources.
Match experienced businesspeople, the Mentors, with small owners.
The Auckland Business Chamber offers a wide range of business support solutions.
The employers and Manufacturers Association.
BusinessNZ advocates for enterprises and promotes the voice of thousands of businesses around New Zealand.
For Export and Investment support.
They help connect you to the right contacts, resources and opportunities to innovate, start or grow your business. They also administer: the Regional Business Partner Network and R&D funding from Callaghan Innovation.
Find a wide range of data and services to support businesses.
Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) is a part of Auckland Council. They work alongside central government, emergency services and other organisations to help our communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
Advice for business owners and managers
Continuity and contingency planning
Continuity and contingency planning is about being prepared for all types of disruptions, eg an earthquake, broken equipment or losing a supplier — and quickly getting back on your feet.
Preparing for the Christmas break
The Christmas run-up can be frantic for small business owners. It’s important to think about business basics like paying taxes and staff before you start decorating the tree.
Guide to starting a business
If you’re starting a business in New Zealand or working for yourself, here are things you can do up-front that will safeguard your investment in the future.
Selling your business
When it’s time to sell your business — whether you operate it as a sole trader, partnership or company — you’ll want to get the best price you can for it. You’ll also need to know how to sell it, who to and what it’s really worth.
Host responsibly
Workplace events are a great way to build team spirit and round off a busy year. If you’re treating your staff this festive season — especially if you’re serving alcohol — here are some tips to help you be a responsible host while ensuring everyone has a great time.
Negotiation tips when hiring
Think beyond money to find the best candidate. Flexible working, personal development and culture can be huge draws. Know what will work for you, and set a limit. Understand and speak to the candidate’s motivations and goals.
Talking with your team about uncertain times
It may feel difficult to talk with employees about their wellbeing and about challenges facing your business. But it’s much worse to avoid these conversations. Here’s a round-up of tips and helpful resources from those in the know.
Resilience: Tips for small business owners
2020 might be in the rear-vision mirror, but COVID-19 is not yet behind us. We asked an expert for mental wellbeing tips tailored for small business owners and sole traders.
Rules and regulations
If you’re a landlord, you’re in business
Your rental property might be the result of a clever investment plan or something you just fell into. Either way, if you collect rent on a rental home, you’re running a business and there are rules you’ll need to comply with.
Food safety: new tools for food rules
New Zealand Food Safety is making it easier, faster and more affordable to meet your food business requirements.
Introduction to holidays and leave
There are different rules for different types of leave. Understanding your obligations as an employer makes it easier to work out leave entitlements and approve leave applications — leading to happier, more productive employees.
More accessible pay equity measures come into force
Employees in female-dominated occupations now have a clearer pathway to pay equity, with changes to New Zealand’s Equal Pay Act coming into force today, says Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Michael Wood, and Minister for Women Jan Tinetti.
Staff wellbeing
Overcoming the problems with working from home
Struggling to switch off after work? You’re not alone. Typically people use a commute to decompress from the working day. But the lines blur when you work where you live.
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 connected.
Nine to Thrive Wellness Series
Now more than ever, work-life balance can feel challenging, but as we discover new ways to connect with ourselves and each other, we can also begin to uncover new positive lifestyle habits.
Supporting a return to work after illness or injury
Sometimes employees need to take time off. Perhaps to recover from illness or injury, or to deal with a range of life situations. Here’s how you can support them during that time.
Workplace Bullying and Harassment
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (“Act”) imposes a variety of health and safety obligations on persons within the workplace. These obligations are imposed on persons conducting a business or undertaking (a “PCBU”) as well as officers, workers (which includes employees) and other persons at the workplace.
Health and safety: Free assessment tool
Every business needs to involve its people in keeping everyone safe and healthy. The free SafePlus online tool can help.
Resource material from Mike King – The Serious Business of Staff Wellbeing
Working remotely: Tips for employers and employees
Protect your business
Personal information: What is it 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?
Protect your business from this common cyber scam
It’s easy to fall for and can go unnoticed. But if you know what to look for and put these four security measures in place, you’ll be in a good position to keep you and your business safe.
