From GST to hiring and AI: National unveils 47-point small business plan

Auckland (The NZ Today)

National has launched a wide-ranging 47-point small business plan, promising to make it easier for firms to hire staff, deal with government, resolve employment disputes and expand into overseas markets.

Small Business spokesperson Cameron Brewer announced the package in Auckland on Wednesday, saying the aim was to reduce the time and money business owners spend dealing with administration and compliance.

The plan stretches across employment law, tax settings, payments, building rules, digital services, exports and access to capital.

One of the headline proposals is a First Employee Support Package, designed to help small firms taking on their first worker. National says it would provide practical guidance during the first year and reduce penalties for genuine administrative mistakes.

The party also wants to review the compulsory GST registration threshold, arguing the current setting can create additional compliance costs as businesses grow.

National would retain its Investment Boost policy, which allows businesses to immediately deduct 20 percent of the cost of eligible productive assets. The party has made keeping the scheme part of its wider economic platform.

Employment disputes are another major focus.

National is proposing a faster pathway through the Employment Relations Authority for suitable minor cases, stronger use of mediation and a requirement for Authority determinations to generally be issued within one month of final hearings or submissions.

It also wants paid employment advocates to face clearer rules around conduct, competence, fees and complaints.

Another proposal would require a minimum level of employee support before new collective bargaining could begin. National is suggesting a threshold of the lesser of 10 employees or 20 percent of the proposed workforce, subject to consultation.

For everyday dealings with government, National wants to develop a “Tell Government Once” service using the New Zealand Business Number, allowing businesses to update core information once rather than repeatedly supplying it to different agencies.

The plan also calls for more automatic or simplified licence renewals for low-risk businesses, greater acceptance of electronic records and the removal of remaining outdated requirements involving paper notices, fax or telex systems.

Payment delays would also come under greater scrutiny, with agencies expected to meet prompt-payment standards and wider use of eInvoicing encouraged.

On technology, National says it would continue expanding artificial intelligence support for smaller firms. The government has already increased its AI advisory programme for small businesses this year.

The package also reaches into the building and construction sector, promising shorter Project Information Memorandum processing times, wider recognition of trusted overseas building products and less duplication where existing engineering or geotechnical reports remain suitable.

For firms looking overseas, National proposes a Next 200 programme, offering intensive NZTE support to 200 high-potential small and medium-sized exporters.

It also wants an AI-powered export navigator to help businesses understand tariffs, rules of origin and market-access requirements.

Other trade measures include expanding paperless certification, creating a faster pathway for trusted exporters and targeting another $1 billion reduction in non-tariff barriers by 2030.

National says the overall package is intended to help small businesses spend less time on compliance and more time hiring, investing and growing.

The party has not presented the 47 measures as a single new spending package. Many are regulatory or administrative changes, while others build on policies and programmes already underway.

Source: National Party small business policy announcement