• New Zealand Regions
      • Hawke's Bay
      • Bay of Plenty
      • Waikato
      • Whanganui
      • Manawatu
      • Northland
      • Auckland
      • Gisborne
      • Taranaki
      • Wellington
      • West Coast
      • Nelson
      • Canterbury
      • Otago
      • Marlborough
      • Southland
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      Hawke's Bay

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      Beaches, wineries and Art Deco. The Hawke's Bay has a diverse economy, including business services that support its sectors to be the second largest contributor to regional GDP in the country. A popular tourist destination, the region has some of the countries best restaurants as well as stunning scenery, markets and festivals.

      Districts

      HastingsNapier

      Bay of Plenty

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      The Bay of Plenty is officially New Zealand's sunniest destination, enjoying short-lived winters and long summer days. The Region offers some of the country's most spectacular views and many ways to enjoy the pristine scenery and natural wonders. Visitors also enjoy exploring the Bay's Māori heritage and pre-European roots.

      Districts

      OpotikiOpotiki iSiteKawerauWhakatane

      Waikato

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      The Waikato is known for its rolling plains, fertile land and the mighty Waikato River. The region is the fourth largest regional economy in New Zealand, with a strong focus on primary production and associated manufacturing.

      Districts

      South WaikatoWaikato District

      Whanganui

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      Welcome to Whanganui. This is our place; where history is full of stories, legends and rich legacy. Where a thriving arts scene, creativity and evolving culture inspire our modern lives. Where breath-taking natural landscapes capture imaginations at every turn.

      Manawatu

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      Located in the lower North Island, Manawatu is heartland New Zealand, offering an authentic Kiwi experience.

      The main in the region are Palmerston North, most notable for Massey University. Palmerston has a vibrant, arts and culture scene.

      The region's economy is based on food production and processing, research and education. The region is also home for the New Zealand defence force.

      Northland

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      Northland was originally home to some of our country's first human inhabitants. Today, it is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand and home to nearly 189,000 people. Rich in culture and history, the region boasts a stunning natural environment.

      Auckland

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      Auckland Region stretches from the the beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the east to the expansive beaches of the rugged west coast of the Tasman Sea. Auckland City, the largest urban area in New Zealand is considered the main economic center of New Zealand and a popular destination for international students and travellers.

      Gisborne

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      Gisborne is a Region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. The region has maintained a strong Maori heritage. The region's economy is made up mainly of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

      Taranaki

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      Taranaki is a coastal and mountainous region on the western side of New Zealand's North Island. Its landscape is dominated by Mount Taranaki, its namesake volcano, which lies within the rainforested Egmont National Park.

      The port city of New Plymouth is the area's cultural and commercial hub. Taranaki's economy is diverse and includes dairy, oil and gas. The region is the highest contributor or national GDP per capita. 

      Wellington

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      The Wellington Region covers Wellington city in the south, Upper and Lower Hutt valleys to the north-east, and Porirua to the north-west. The region takes its name from Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

      Wellington is famous for its arts and culture scene and is also the centre of New Zealand's film industry.

      West Coast

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      The West Coast, or as some locals call it, the "Wild West", is a long thin region that runs down the South Island's west coast.

      The region has the lowest population in all of New Zealand. It is famous for its rugged natural scenery such as the Pancake Rocks, the Blue Pools of Haast, and the glaciers.

      The main industries in the region are dairy farming and mining. Tourism also plays an important role.

      Nelson – Tasman

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      Nelson Tasman is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape. With one in five people internationally born, Nelson Tasman has 48 different cultures living in its environs.

      The region prides its self on being New Zealand’s leading Research and Development areas, with the highest proportion of people working in the research, science and tech sectors out of anywhere in New Zealand.

      Canterbury

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      Canterbury is a region on New Zealand’s South Island marked by grassy plains, clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Its largest city, Christchurch, is famed for its art scene and green spaces.

      Otago

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      There are few places in the world which will leave you with a lasting sense of difference. Central Otago is undoubtedly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences.

      Marlborough

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      Marlborough Region is on the north-eastern corner of the South Island. The region is well known for its winemaking industry, and the Marlborough Sounds, an extensive network of coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands.

      Apart from the wine industry, aquaculture, agriculture and tourism play an important role in the local economy.

      Southland

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      Southland is New Zealand’s most southerly region and includes the World Heritage ranked Fiordland National Park.

      The region's only city Invercargill offers a relaxed pace of life with wide streets, little traffic, spacious parks and gardens, striking Victorian and Edwardian architecture and impressive sporting facilities including New Zealand’s first indoor velodrome. Southland's location is such that views of Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights are common.

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Understanding New Zealand’s Tax System

The New Zealand government gets most of its income from taxes on individual’s income, business income, and goods and services. These taxes are important for funding different programmes and services. You can see what amount and type of tax is collected and how it’s used by the Government through the Treasury’s financial statements.

Self-assessed Tax System

In New Zealand, taxes are determined through a self-assessed system. This means that you must:

  • Understand and pay the right tax based on your income
  • File or approve a tax return at the end of the tax year
  • Determine if you are eligible for any social policy programmes

Income Tax

Your income tax is the tax on the income you earn. It is calculated based on different income ranges and tax rates. The amount of tax you pay depends on your total income for the tax year.

Individual Income Tax

Income tax for individuals is assessed in tiers, meaning tax rates increase as your income increases. Certain amounts of your income are taxed at specific rates according to how much you make.

Business Income Tax

This tax is applicable on business income. If your business is not incorporated, you will use individual tax rates. Other types of businesses have different rates.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

This is a tax on goods and services sold in New Zealand by registered suppliers. If your business earns more than $60,000 in turnover from taxable activities in any 12-month period, you will need to register for GST and collect it on behalf of the government.

Different Types of Income

Check the lists of income types for individuals and businesses to ensure you pay the correct tax. Also, your tax residency status can affect how much tax you pay.

Filing Your End-of-Year Tax Return

Regardless of your income type, you will need to double-check your tax at the end of each tax year. Depending on what you’ve paid during the tax year and your total income, you might have a refund due, owe more tax, or be square with the tax office.

Social Policy Programmes

You might be interested in becoming part of social policy programmes in New Zealand, such as a voluntary savings scheme for retirement, Working for Families, or student loans.

It’s key that everyone in New Zealand, whether individuals or businesses, pays tax on their income. The income could be from salary, self-employment, property rentals, or overseas income. It’s essential to utilize the correct tax code to avoid paying inaccurate tax rates.

Income Tax Rates

New Zealand uses a progressive or gradual taxation system. This means that tax rates increase as your income increases.

For the tax year starting on April 1, 2021, the rates are as follows:

Income Range Tax Rate
Up to $14,000 10.5%
Over $14,000 and up to $48,000 17.5%
Over $48,000 and up to $70,000 30%
Over $70,000 and up to $180,000 33%
Remaining income over $180,000 39%

Note: If you have more than one income source, you will have to pay secondary tax to avoid a tax bill at the end of the year.

For more information and further advice, refer to the official guides published by the New Zealand Government.