The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2025–26, Compliance Simplification, and Remedial Measures) Bill introduces reforms long championed by AmCham and the international business community.
FIF – Revenue Account Method
A practical elective for new and returning residents that taxes dividends plus part of realised gains (with loss relief). This simplifies compliance for globally mobile executives and investors—especially those with pre‑residency, unlisted holdings.
The proposals will provide welcome relief to eligible taxpayers, but could have gone further to capture a broader scope of situations. We are hopeful there will be a chance for further changes as the Bill progresses, to ensure the proposals meet the needs of a wider range of taxpayers.
Visitor & remote work settings
Targeted exemptions linked to Visa timeframes mean short‑term business visitors and remote workers can operate from NZ without triggering full income tax or PAYE obligations for themselves or their offshore employers. Optional GST registration and integrity measures keep the system robust.
These changes reduce friction for cross‑border talent and capital—supporting NZ’s competitiveness as a hub for international business and mesh well with the US tax systems for individuals and venture capital.
Paul Dunne, Chair AmCham Tax Committee & Partner, EY.
Tariffs on wood products exported to the United Sates remain at ‘0’ percent as the section 232 Investigation aimed at determining the global effects imports of timber, lumber and their derivative products pose to the U.S. supply chain continues.
Although the ‘0’ percent tariff rate is a welcome relief for wood product exporters, the uncertainty of what may eventuate from the section 232 Investigation is causing nervousness across New Zealand wood processers and manufacturers who export over NZD$370 million of value-added wood product to the United States. Developments over the weekend included President Trump announcing on a Truth Social post that a major new tariff investigation on furniture (incl. wooden furniture) coming into the United States will be completed within 50 days at a tariff rate to be determined. This was followed by release of the draft EU and U.S. Trade Agreement Framework which promptly ensures that the tariff rate applied to section 232 actions on lumber does not exceed 15 percent. ‘These announcements create further uncertainty, with a survey of our main U.S. exporters of wood products to the U.S. highlighting that a tariff rate of 5 percent or over will have a significant hit on their profitability in the longer-term.’ Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association (WPMA) Chief Executive, Mark Ross, said. ‘The U.S. is a growing market for our value-added wood products and with a drop off in NZ domestic demand, profitable export markets are critical to growing our industry.’ Having our Trade Minister, Todd McClay, speaking up in support of the NZ wood processing industry on the section 232 Investigation in his recent Washington negotiations with U.S. Trade Representatives, is highly valued by WPMA members and we thank the Minister and his negotiation team for backing our exporters. ‘The key is to present a united face across industry and government to the U.S. decision makers as to the value of our wood products to the U.S. and that our products are not a threat to their domestic timber manufacturing or supply chain,’ said Ross. With the outcome of this section 232 investigation expected no later than early December, WPMA will continue to engage with our allied U.S. Associations, who are lobbying the U.S. Administration to keep imported timber and lumber products tariff free as a means of levelling recent domestic U.S. house price rises and maintaining robust supply chains. New Zealand is known in the U.S. for providing high value and high-quality wood products, most of which is sold into the DIY end user’s market, such as Home Depot, Lowes and Menards. As a small niche supplier of wood products that are needed by the U.S. domestic building market, such as long clear Radiata pine boards, mouldings and primed product, there is a strong argument for keeping New Zealand timber and lumber imports tariff free. With comments from exporters such as customers in the U.S. are already pressurising us to reduce product price, it will be a tough ask to pass any additional tariff costs on should they prevail. ‘While the section 232 Investigation continues WPMA will do what we can to advocate to keep New Zealand imported timber, lumber and their derivatives into the United Sates tariff free’, said Ross, ‘But, at the end of the day the U.S. President will be the final tariff rate decision maker, and we know from experience we need to be ready to expect the unexpected.’
WPMA’s survey of timber and lumber exporters to the U.S, key findings included: • Due to the small profitability margins, anything over a 5 percent tariff would cause 50 percent of exporters to rethink as to the value of exporting to the U.S. • If a tariff was introduced, most exporters would both pass tariff costs onto their customer and absorb the cost, while a small percentage would look at diverting product to other markets. • Half indicated that higher tariffs on other competitive countries, should they eventuate, may provide an advantage to their business. Media Contact: Mark Ross, Chief Executive, Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of NZ 027 442 9965 mark@wpma.org.nz
Seahawk helicopters and Airbus planes are set to replace aging New Zealand Defence Force aircraft in the first major investment decisions to be made as part of the Government’s Defence Capability Plan (DCP).
Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters today announced investment decisions of $2.7 billion, with the MH-60R Seahawk the preferred option to replace the existing maritime helicopters. The Airbus A321XLR (extra long range) aircraft will replace the aging 757 fleet.
“This decision will ensure New Zealand has a critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet,” Ms Collins says.
“The MH-60R Seahawk is a great aircraft for what New Zealand needs and fulfils our objective of having a more integrated Anzac force, and the new planes will give us reliable aircraft to deploy personnel and respond to international events.”
Mr Peters says these decisions show how the Government is responding to the sharply deteriorating security environment.
“Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and we must invest in our national security to ensure our economic prosperity.
“The DCP provides the foundation for our uplift in defence spending, and two-yearly reviews of the plan will allow us to adapt to an ever-changing security environment.”
The $2 billion plus investment in maritime helicopters and $700 million investment in the new Airbus A321XLRs are both part of the $12 billion in planned commitments outlined in the 2025 DCP announced in April.
Ms Collins says the maritime helicopters are versatile and add combat and deterrent capability to our naval fleet.
“These five Seahawks will increase the offensive and defensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates and ensure we are interoperable with our ally Australia and other partner defence forces,” she says.
“We will now move at pace to procure helicopters directly through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales programme instead of going to a wider tender, with Cabinet expected to consider the final business case next year.
“The two new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will be acquired on a six-year lease to buy arrangement, with capital costs of $620 million and four-year operating costs of $80.86 million.
“New Zealand needs reliable aircraft to deploy our personnel, deliver military equipment and humanitarian aid, support the evacuation of civilians, and transport government trade and diplomatic delegations quickly, over long distances, and often at short notice.
“The decision to acquire the extra long range aircraft reflects the importance of having an aircraft capable of such things as returning safely from Antarctica if it is unable to land due to conditions on the ice.
“Our Defence Force personnel have proven time and time again they do an outstanding job and we must ensure they have the tools that are up to the task.”
Source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/
Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, in Washington this week to express New Zealand’s concerns over US tariffs, and the disadvantage this creates for Kiwi exporters in relation to other countries, many of whom subsidise their production.
Ambassador Greer recognised New Zealand applies low tariffs against US goods. He confirmed that the additional 5 per cent tariff imposed on New Zealand exports last month was in relation to New Zealand’s balance of trade surplus and represented a new bottom tariff rate of 15 per cent, or higher, for all countries that sold more to the US than they bought.
Product-specific trade investigations in areas including steel and aluminium, pharmaceuticals, and timber were also discussed.
Ambassador Greer and Minister McClay agreed that trade officials would meet over the coming months to discuss the impact of tariffs on New Zealand-US trade and consider practical ways to give exporters greater certainty.
Minister McClay recognised New Zealand’s relationship with the United States is important. Two-way trade is well balanced and complementary with New Zealand applying an average tariff rate of just 0.3 per cent on US goods imports. At different times, each side has enjoyed a trade surplus, reflecting the dynamic nature of the trade relationship.
Ambassador Greer and Minister McClay agreed to next meet during the ASEAN Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Malaysia in September and again at the APEC Leaders’ Summit in Korea in October where they would consider any next steps to strengthen trade.
Minister McClay, Secretary of Agriculture Rollins and Ambassador Greer discussed shared concerns about the harm that heavily subsidised, trade-distorting practices of some countries are causing to the New Zealand and US dairy industries.
They agreed that dairy farmers were important to both governments and that they shared significant concerns over the effect these trade-distorting practices have on our respective dairy industries.
They agreed to explore ways to jointly combat these harmful practices and support our dairy farmers.
NZ's best photo print studio joins leading software firm, paves way for global growth
MEA, the software specialist powering the world’s largest photo retailers, has acquired leading photo print studio, Happy Moose. The partnership unites MEA’s e-commerce capability and global retail reach with Happy Moose’s expertise in premium production and handcrafted products. Together, they aim to deliver premium photo printing at scale — raising the bar for customers and paving the way for international expansion.
Happy Moose has built a loyal following in New Zealand for its seriously good photo prints and a playful brand personality. From archival-quality papers to true-to-life colour, every order is crafted to make photos look their best. Based in Connecticut, USA and Hamilton, New Zealand, MEA’s technology connects thousands of photo labs and retail stores worldwide — including major US retailers — making it one of the most widely used photo printing platforms.
By acquiring Happy Moose, MEA offers customers the best of both worlds — high-tech convenience and handcrafted quality — while preserving the unique character that has made Happy Moose a local favourite.
We’re pairing powerful technology with premium printmaking,” stated Rod Macfarlane, Executive Director at MEA, “MEA’s technology underpins one of the world’s largest photo printing networks, and Happy Moose is New Zealand’s best photo lab. Together we can create premium print experiences at a scale the industry hasn’t seen before.
Happy Moose will continue producing orders from its studio in Dunedin, New Zealand – including collage posters and photo books - while MEA integrates its catalogue into its platform, with select products rolling out in new markets such as the USA and Australia over time. No immediate changes for existing Happy Moose customers are expected.
Key Highlights:
Photo software specialist MEA has acquired New Zealand's best photo print studio, Happy Moose.
The partnership pairs MEA’s global reach with Happy Moose’s seriously good photo prints.
Together they aim to deliver premium photo prints at scale, paving the way for international growth.
The acquisition builds on MEA’s history of innovation in photo printing, including leading print-on-demand apps Printicular and Photo Prints Now. These connect millions of customers to fast, convenient printing - and now, with Happy Moose in the family, MEA can also offer premium handcrafted products alongside its high-volume services.
Deal terms were not disclosed. The acquisition closed on 8 August 2025.
Monty the Moose is triple-checking customers’ orders," added Macfarlane. "He’s a bit of a perfectionist.
For more information contact MEA at USA: 203.599.1111, NZ: 07.838.2325, AU: 02.909.85.909 or at info@we-are-mea.com.
Press kit with photos and full release available here.
About MEA
MEA develops software for photo printing and fulfilment used by labs and retailers worldwide. Its apps, including Printicular and Photo Prints Now, make it easy to order prints and personalised products for pickup or delivery. MEA operates globally with teams in Connecticut, USA and New Zealand. Learn more at www.meaphototech.com.
About Happy Moose
Happy Moose is a New Zealand print studio known best for photo prints and personalised photo products, produced with meticulous colour and materials. The team handcrafts every order from its Dunedin base with a touch of moose-inspired charm. Learn more at www.happymoose.nz.
Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will travel to Saudi Arabia and then to the United States (US) next week to meet with his trade and agriculture counterparts.
In Riyadh, Mr McClay will meet with Minister of Commerce, HE Dr Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi, and Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, HE Eng Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, to advance bilateral trade and investment opportunities, including in food and agritech cooperation.
The visit will also be an opportunity discuss how best to leverage the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, for which negotiations concluded last year.
Mr McClay will then travel on to Washington D.C. at the invitation of United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer. He will also meet with U.S. industry representatives, think tanks, and his agriculture counterpart, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
“Following the United States’ 1 August decision to apply a 15 per cent, or more, tariff to ever country with a trade surplus, this visit will be an opportunity to discuss the impact of that decision and better understand the factors that may influence future U.S. tariffs,” Mr McClay says.
“New Zealand and the United States have a long-standing, well-balanced trading relationship, with periods where the US has enjoyed a surplus and times, like now, when New Zealand has a modest one. Overall, our trade is complementary and reflects the strength of a long-standing partnership.
“I will be seeking to understand the effect of any change in trade flows for example, if New Zealand’s current surplus shifted to a deficit, and what that might mean for our exporters,” Mr McClay says.
“The US currently faces an average tariff of just 0.3 per cent when exporting to New Zealand, far lower than what we face into their market.
“It’s important that we raise these concerns constructively, while reaffirming our commitment to the strong, cooperative relationship we have with the United States,” Mr McClay says.
Meetings in Washington will cover wider bilateral trade, investment and agricultural priorities.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Chris Seed will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.
“New Zealand’s strategic partnership with the United States is one of our most important and long-standing relationships,” Mr Peters says.
“It is therefore essential that New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States has the necessary experience, judgement and influence to effectively represent our country in Washington DC and navigate the range of important and pressing issues that are vital to New Zealanders.
“Mr Seed is one of New Zealand’s most senior and accomplished diplomats and is accordingly the right person for this vital role,” Mr Peters says.
Mr Seed served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade from 2019-2024 and has previously led New Zealand High Commissions in Canberra and Port Moresby. He will take up the role in January 2026.
Mr Seed succeeds Rosemary Banks, who will shortly complete her second term as Ambassador in Washington DC.
“Ms Banks has had a most distinguished diplomatic career, having led New Zealand missions in Paris, New York and Washington,” Mr Peters says.
“Twice Ms Banks has been asked by her Government to serve in Washington DC and we are enormously grateful to her that twice she answered that call to serve with distinction as New Zealand Ambassador to the United States.
“Ms Banks’ long diplomatic experience and her elevated standing amongst her US counterparts, during such a challenging time in global affairs, has seen her contribute greatly to one of New Zealand’s most critical bilateral relationships,” Mr Peters says.
A Bay of Plenty beverage company continues to make waves across high-end venues in New York City, preparing to launch on Amazon while navigating trade tariffs in the process.
Demand for the premium non-alcoholic beverage, Wai Mānuka, is rising rapidly and just four months after launching, the company has secured its third order - a full 20-foot container - more than doubling its two previous shipments.
By the end of August, Wai Mānuka will be stocked in over 100 premium restaurants, cafés, and boutique retailers across the city, with containers now ordered every two to three months.
“To navigate US tariffs, we have to go big,” chief executive Joe Harawira said.
Their US distribution partner is covering most of the 15% tariff, a move Harawira said reflected confidence in market-fit and product potential.
Wai Mānuka is also preparing to launch on Amazon in New York City, giving 10 to 12 million local users the option to have the non-alcoholic elixir delivered directly to their doors.
“This will give us an opportunity to engage directly with customers, build loyalty, and expand our reach,” Harawira said.
Interest is also growing from other key states, including Texas, Chicago, and Los Angeles. But for now, the focus remained on building a strong foundation in New York before expanding too quickly.
Wai Mānuka is seeking investors who bring not only capital but strategic value to help accelerate growth.
“It’s capital-intensive to grow a brand in the US,” Harawira said.
“We’re gaining 25 new accounts every month, and the key is consistent sell-through at scale.”
To reduce landed costs, minimise environmental impact, and navigate tariff hurdles, the company is exploring US-based manufacturing.
Harawira is working closely with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, his US partners, and other industry leads to assess the opportunity.
In a further boost, Harawira has been selected to join a New Zealand trade delegation meeting with native American investors and executives, exploring new pathways for indigenous business collaboration.
He will meet them later this month.
Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/
There were a number of questions asked during the webinar that we provide answers to below. Some of these were answered during the webinar but we provide answers again below given their broad relevance.
For more information, please see NZTE’s Talking Tariffs page, MFAT’s FAQs, and if you haven’t already we encourage you to sign up to MFAT’s Market Intelligence reports – see an example here.
Should you have further questions, please feel free to email us at this address. Alternatively, if you feel like your question is best addressed to NZ Customs their email address is copied.
Questions and answers below are grouped thematically under the following headings:
Tariffs
Section 232
Exemptions
Rules of Origin/Customs/De minimis
New Zealand’s approach
Miscellaneous
Click here for Tariff related questions/answers.
Source: www.mfat.govt.nz
The American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2025 AmCham-DHL Express Success and Innovation Awards, the 26th year of these awards celebrating success and innovation for companies doing business with the USA. AmCham Executive Director, Mike Hearn said that “over the last year trade with the US has continued to grow, with the US becoming New Zealand’s second largest trading partner, however the recently announced 15% tariffs will cost New Zealand exporters round $1.4billion. The effect of these tariffs is still to be felt”
“This year’s exporter finalists again come from a more diverse background to previous years, coming for consumer goods, technology and the services sectors” The supreme winner also receives an airfare to anywhere in the USA on United Airlines, US$5,000 of advisory services from Sweeney Vesty, introductions to venture capitalists, economic development agencies in the USA as well as to other valuable connections. Over the last twenty-five years our sponsors have provided over $400,000 worth of prizes to our award winners.
Selina Deadman, Vice President Commercial, DHL Express New Zealand, commented, “It’s our privilege to help deliver the 26th AmCham-DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards for 2025. As an express international logistics provider, DHL observes firsthand the ingenuity and innovation required by local Kiwis competing in the US market. This year’s finalists all demonstrate the continued value in exporting to this market, and we know that a successful landing in the USA can be the catalyst for some of the best business success stories in this country. On behalf of DHL, I’d like to congratulate all our 2025 finalists.”
This year’s awards and finalists are: Exporter of the Year to the USA – Technology ADInstruments Ltd Lumin Windcave NZ Ltd
Exporter of the Year to the USA – Services Crimson Education Ltd Pratt & Whitney Air New Zealand Services t/a Christchurch Engine Centre
Exporter of the Year to the USA - Consumer Goods Calocurb Ltd Moxx Int Ltd The Better Packaging Co. Ltd
Investor of the Year to or from the USA Axon Enterprise Inc for investment in Auror Bridgewest Group Motion Capital Management Ltd
Bilateral Connections with the USA Auckland Council American Universities International Programs Ltd Rob Coneybeer
Contribution to Tourism with the USA International Working Holidays Travel USA Ltd
Social Impact with the USA The NZ Robotics Charitable Trust Inc/Kiwibots
One of the above will be selected as the Supreme winner.
One other award will be presented on the night: The AmCham Supporter of the Year The awards will be presented at a black-tie gala dinner at the Pullman Hotel Auckland on 18th September for details and tickets see www.amcham.co.nz
The keynote speaker will be The Hon Todd McClay, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Forestry, Minister for Trade and Investment and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In addition to AmCham, DHL Express, United Airlines, the awards are supported by ANZ Bank; Auckland International Airport; Insprie Labs; Ironside McDonald Intellectual Property; Lockheed Martin New Zealand; and SweeneyVesty. Media sponsor - The Business. Wine sponsor - Constellation Brands. Event Manager and sponsor – Event Revolution.
Previous winners of the Supreme Award have included Peace Software; Airways Corporation; HumanWare; Tenon; Orion Health; Zeacom; SMI Group; Fonterra; Pratt & Whitney Air New Zealand Services t/a Christchurch Engine Centre; Buckley Systems; Greenshell New Zealand; Vista Entertainment; Fisher & Paykel Healthcare; Douglas Pharmaceuticals, Zespri International; Tourism Holdings; Sir Peter Beck; Seequent Ltd; Oritain Global; Auror Ltd; and Toku Eyes.
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