If you aspire to make your brand a global household name, you might be able to achieve it. Utilise the resources that government agencies have created to support exporters like you.
Anyone can become an exporter, and it’s surprisingly easy to do so unintentionally. However, achieving long-term success in exporting demands careful planning. Consider what you can export, the permits required, the taxes you need to pay in which country, and where to seek help if you encounter obstacles.
What you need to know about exporting
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Government experts have leveraged years of experience to create resources for both new and seasoned exporters. Various agencies provide different tools, ensuring you’ll find something tailored to your needs and learning style.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) | Te Taurapa Tūhono
NZTE is dedicated to helping businesses succeed internationally by providing advice, specialised expertise, and in-market support. Take three steps to maximise their offerings.
Once you visit NZTE’s export resources website, becoming a customer only takes a few minutes. Simply answer a few questions so NZTE can personalise information according to your needs, and you’re ready to proceed.
Registering unlocks a wealth of additional resources, including an “Export Essentials” course to prepare your business for global expansion, comprehensive details on more than 40 export markets, guidance on enhancing your supply chain, and access to tools, templates, and calculators to aid in planning and decision-making.
Learn how to grow your business overseas with myNZTE’s free tools and guides — NZTE
Take the Export Essentials course
This outstanding free online course serves as your comprehensive guide to international sales best practices. You can learn at your own pace or participate in an online group.
To access it, log in to your myNZTE customer account. From the top menu, select “Upskill” and then “Export Essentials”. Topics covered include:
- Understanding the costs of exporting
- Strategies for reaching your target customers
- Selecting the optimal export market
- Techniques for gaining visibility and generating sales in your target markets
- Identifying essential team members for your export efforts
Export Essentials: your best-practice guide to selling overseas— NZTE
Learn how to raise capital in the InvestEd course
InvestEd is a valuable free online course offering practical insights and guidance on preparing to raise capital. You can progress at your own pace and focus on specific areas of interest, such as:
- Securing the necessary capital for your business
- Preparing your business for investment
- Developing a robust financial model
- Approaching potential investors effectively
- Successfully closing investment deals
Planning to raise capital— NZTE
Contact NZTE
0800 555 888
Fill in NZTE’s online contact form — NZTE
Tip: Tap into NZTE’s resources on exporting.
How to choose your international partners — NZTE
Attend free webinars— NZTE
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) | Manatū Ahu Matua
MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) plays a crucial role in supporting New Zealand’s food and fibre sectors throughout the entire export process. They establish and enforce export regulations, contributing to the preservation of New Zealand’s primary industries’ reputation in international markets and fostering export expansion.
Learn about how MPI can help you
MPI offers support in several key areas:
- Identifying applicable regulations for your food and fibre products
- Ensuring compliance with domestic standards in New Zealand
- Assisting with certification processes to verify adherence to export regulations
- Providing guidance on overcoming export trade barriers related to food safety or animal welfare
MPI’s role in exporting — MPI
Support for exporters
MPI offers extensive support and resources tailored to exporters at every stage:
- Personalised, one-on-one advice and guidance for businesses involved in the export chain
- Regional sessions where businesses can engage with MPI’s technical and export advisory teams
- Online workshops and presentations aimed at enhancing exporters’ understanding of the export journey
- Online resources and guidance to assist exporters in resolving specific challenges
A beginner’s guide to exporting from New Zealand — MPI
Exporting food and fibre products — MPI
Exporting webinars— MPI
Exporting conferences and events — MPI
Contact MPI
0800 00 83 33
Commercial export query form — MPI
New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa
Customs New Zealand plays a pivotal role at the country’s borders, promoting international trade for New Zealand. They collaborate with customs agencies worldwide to facilitate the smooth movement of lawful travellers and goods into and out of the country. Additionally, Customs seizes illegal imports and exports, collects government duties, and administers penalties on behalf of other government agencies.
Learn about exports and customs
Customs New Zealand’s website provides comprehensive information on various topics including:
- Export entries, forms, and documents necessary for customs clearance
- Explanation of what a Certificate of New Zealand Origin entails and when it’s required
- Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with countries that share similar supply chain security standards
- Requirements for exporting animals, including pet dogs and cats
- Import entries for bringing items back into New Zealand
- Lists of prohibited and restricted goods
Information, guidance and documentation for export — Customs
Sign up for their weekly newsletter, “Customs Release”— Customs
The Secure Exports Scheme (SES) simplifies exporting
The scheme facilitates faster customs clearance, both domestically and internationally. Customs certifies export goods that meet global standards for packing, storage, and shipping. This certification assures foreign customs agencies of a secure supply chain, reducing the likelihood of delays at borders for your goods.
Secure Exports Scheme— New Zealand Customs Service
Contact Customs
0800 428 786 — National Contact Centre
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) | Manatū Aorere
MFAT (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade) concentrates on managing New Zealand’s relationships globally. Key responsibilities include:
- Advancing the government’s international objectives
- Providing advice on how global events may impact New Zealand
- Advocating for free and equitable trade
Their emphasis on trade is particularly pertinent for anyone considering exporting from New Zealand.
Learn about how MFAT can help you
MFAT’s website offers a wealth of resources including reports, intelligence, policy details, strategy insights, and information on trade agreements. MFAT also provides support overseas.
Learn about trade agreements and get help
Free-trade agreements — MFAT
How MFAT helps exporters — MFAT
New Zealand and the World Trade Organisation — MFAT
Trade law and dispute settlement — MFAT
UN Security Council sanctions— MFAT
Read reports, policy and strategy
Market intelligence reports — MFAT
Māori engagement and interests in trade— MFAT
Trade statistics and economic research — MFAT
Guide to trade acronyms— MFAT
COVID-19 and trade — MFAT
New Zealand’s trade policy— MFAT
New Zealand’s trade recovery strategy — MFAT
Find support overseas
You’re encouraged to reach out to MFAT’s local representatives in your target export country. They can potentially connect you with individuals possessing the local expertise you require and may even accompany you to meetings.
For product launches or promotional events overseas, involving MFAT can be advantageous. Hosting events at an embassy or high commission, or securing support from an ambassador or high commissioner, can elevate your event and enhance your visibility.
Contact MFAT
Find an embassy— MFAT
0800 824 605
New Zealand Export Credit (NZEC) | Te Tai Ōhunga
NZEC (New Zealand Export Credit) supports New Zealand exporters and their suppliers by offering financial guarantees and insurance. This assistance is particularly valuable in situations where traditional banks or insurers may be unable to provide support.
Manage your cash flow
Producing export products or services often involves financial challenges, and NZEC can assist by providing access to additional working capital. This support helps exporters manage their short-term financial needs more effectively.
Protect your income
Non-payment can indeed be a significant concern for businesses. NZEC’s Trade Credit Insurance offers valuable protection by mitigating the risks associated with non-payment and order cancellation, providing reassurance to exporters.
Grow your business
NZEC can act as your guarantor with your bank, providing assurance that NZEC will cover payments if you are unable to fulfil them. This arrangement enables exporters to access additional bank facilities, facilitating business scalability and growth.
Solutions for exporters — NZEC
Show the economic benefits of your exports
To receive assistance from NZEC, exporters must demonstrate that their exports bring economic benefits to New Zealand.
Contact NZEC
04 917 6060
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
If you’re a manufacturer encountering barriers to exporting, MBIE can provide assistance with:
- Standards and regulatory requirements
- Guidelines for selling to foreign governments
- Addressing other export restrictions or obstacles
Education New Zealand (ENZ)
If you teach international students, whether within New Zealand or overseas, you’re considered part of the education export sector. Education New Zealand (ENZ) can assist you if you encounter barriers such as:
- Licensing requirements specific to education services
- Restrictions related to investment and foreign ownership
- Challenges in obtaining recognition for qualifications
ENZ also offers advice and funding to providers who sell education services overseas.
Support services— ENZ
Trade Barriers Export Helpdesk Kaweake Tēpu Āwihina
The Trade Barriers Export Helpdesk helps exporters overcome trade barriers
Trade Barriers Export Helpdesk
Check Education New Zealand’s FAQ page first for answers to questions on exporting education services or other exports. If your question isn’t there, contact their helpdesk by email or phone. They coordinate with six government agencies for the best responses.
- Education New Zealand
- Ministry for Primary Industries
- Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- New Zealand Customs
- New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
Contact the Trade Barriers Export Helpdesk
0800 824 605
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