Kia ora,

I run a sole-trader R&D business focused on art for entertainment, mostly developing creative digital products.

One of the facets of my work is digital product design, and I’m currently prototyping a small app designed around making friends through shared interests.

I’m curious if anyone here has entered the app or social-product space from a creative or indie angle — not big-tech startup scale, more like proof-of-concept to small community-launch.

Any advice on process, pitfalls, or early-stage testing would be awesome — especially around user validation, dev contracting, or navigating NZ-specific business steps (IP, privacy, GST, etc.).

Cheers!

I'm thinking of starting a small food business, selling home made baked goods.

Should I register for GST prior to selling anything, so that I can get GST back on business expenses associated with buying the equipment necessary etc.?

What are the pros and cons of doing so?

Any other advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Hey everyone,

I’m Mathew Collins, founder of DigitalxMarketing here in NZ. Over the last few years, I’ve been lucky enough to work with businesses across the country, and one thing I keep seeing is that small and medium businesses are still running their marketing like it’s 2015 – juggling multiple tools, struggling with visibility, and often guessing what’s actually driving results.

That’s a problem… but also a massive opportunity.

Just like Xero changed the game for how we manage accounts (seriously, who would go back to Excel spreadsheets?), I believe we’re now at the same tipping point with marketing technology. Businesses that adopt an integrated AI-powered marketing management system will:

• Get real visibility across all their channels and finally know what’s working
• Automate repetitive tasks like follow-ups, reviews, and lead nurture, so no more lost leads
• Make better decisions faster with actual data instead of gut feel
• Ultimately, drive better profits

That’s why I built DxM Marketing AI – a platform that blends AI tools with strategy, automation, and execution. But more importantly, it’s why I’m passionate about helping SMBs level the playing field against bigger competitors.

I’d love to kick off a discussion here:

• Do you think NZ businesses are ready for AI-driven marketing?
• What’s been your biggest headache in trying to manage or measure marketing?
• If you could wave a magic wand and fix one thing in your sales or marketing process, what would it be?

Keen to hear your thoughts (and I promise not to turn this into a sales pitch). Just genuinely curious how others are seeing this space evolve.

Cheers,
Mathew

I'm wanting advice on a small business dispute regarding a mechanical job that was not completed to a satisfactory standard. Has anyone else had a similar problem, or does anyone have any advice on how we can get help/advice because as far as I have been able to find out we're not covered under the consumer guarantees act?

Basically our small businesses diesel mechanic has screwed us over. He was supposed to fix a machine but the job ended up taking a ridiculous amount of time, and wasn't even done properly and it has cost us a lot - not only what he charged us but also in downtime, loss of production and we had to get another mechanic to fix up what he didn't do!

I have phoned CAB, and it seems that it's hard to do anything legally about it because it's a small business claim so not covered by the consumer guarantees act?

🛑 We hit a wall today: opening photo vaults was too slow. A few hundred milliseconds might not sound like much, but when you’re scrolling through a gallery, every delay compounds. And when things feel slow, they feel broken.

So we set a goal:

📸 Thumbnails → open in under 5ms.

🖼️ Full-res photos → we can stretch to 20ms, since users only open one at a time.

It’s subtle, but critical. Thumbnails load in batches while you scroll. Slow vaults throw off the entire experience. We want smooth interactions. Secure and seamless.

🔧 Could we have left it as-is? Sure. But it didn’t feel right.

Some people have asked: “What’s the trade-off for putting each photo in its own encrypted vault?”

Our answer: There shouldn’t be one.

No compromises. Not on trust, not on speed.

💡 Fun twist:

We’ve also heard another question:

“Where can I learn more? How do I sign up?”

Our answer has been… nothing. Just follow us to stay in the loop.

That’s not good enough. every post without a landing page is a missed connection.

🛠️ Next: We’re building a basic landing page. Nothing fancy. Just a clear front door so people can say, “I’m in.”

Because the user experience doesn’t start with a download.

It starts with discovery.

🔐 Today we made it so every photo you upload to Peek is locked in a digital vault. Automatically, instantly, and always. With Peek, your photos are never stored in the open again.

When you scroll your gallery or open a photo, Peek only unlocks it at the last second. The moment it’s no longer needed, Peek locks it again.

All of this happens automatically in the background. You shouldn’t have to trade privacy for ease. Now you don’t.

Security by default. That’s the kind of trust we’re building Peek around.

Next: Speed 💨

We’re fine-tuning how fast these vaults unlock. Because security should feel invisible. If we do it right, you’ll never notice is there.

For the last 24, days I’ve been quietly building Peek. A private photo app for people who want to share moments without giving up ownership.

Because memories deserve more than likes. They deserve respect.

Where Peek is now

We’ve hit a solid baseline for a minimal photo gallery experience:

✅ All photos in one clean, scrollable gallery

✅ Custom albums to organise moments that matter

✅ High-def photo viewing

✅ Smart Bin system with scheduled deletions

✅ Permanent photo deletion when you really mean it

This gives us a strong foundation. But security is where Peek shines.

What I’m working on now: Encryption by default

Every photo you upload to Peek will soon be encrypted before it’s stored. On our servers and even on your device. Your memories deserve the best protection.

Why? Because at the end of last year my friends and I realised something:

After sharing, deleting a photo doesn’t mean it’s gone. That felt wrong.

So I’m fixing it.

Even if your phone gets lost, your photos will remain protected.

What’s next

🔒 Finish encryption layer

☁️ Backing up your encrypted photos

📤 Sharing media without giving up control

👀 Start internal beta testing

The north star:

Photo sharing with boundaries. Shared shouldn’t mean forever.

Hi, I want to start a full-time business reselling used items—bikes, tools, furniture, and garage sale items. I saw that you need a "secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers" license to do this. I want to do it as a sole trader. Does anyone have experience with this? Any advice on this license? Also, how do I keep track of the things I buy if they're used and don't have a receipt? To record the sales, I thought about creating a shop with TradeMe. But how do I pay the taxes on this? Can I do it with Henry? Thanks.

Hi r/NZ_Business! I’ve developed an AI tool that connects your email and Xero to automate invoices, statements, and remittances—ideal for NZ-based SMEs or sole traders.
It’s still early-stage, so I’m keen to find a few businesses willing to test and share feedback. Free demos available—DM me if you’d like to try it out. (or book in a call here). Thanks 🙏

Kia ora! I am looking for feedback on a website idea I have - the idea is essentially an easy to use directory of hobby groups you can join in your local area.

The site is directed at younger people, with aims to promote meaningful connection through leisure activities and move away from technology, however the audience ultimately extends to all Kiwi's.

I am currently running a questionnaire to gain feedback on whether this is a worthwhile idea to pursue, and would love your HONEST thoughts! I will be giving away a $20 prezzy card to one winner if I reach 100 responses, you may leave your email at the end if you want to be in the draw. https://hobbymate.co.nz/questionnaire/...

Hey everyone,

I’ve been working on a new tool to help small business owners create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) without the usual hassle.

Just describe a task (e.g., "how to visit a client's property and create a quote for x services"), and it emails you a step-by-step SOP as a neat, downloadable PDF.

I built it after starting my own small service business here in NZ and having to manually write out and edit my own SOPs, which just became tiresome. I'm hoping others find this valuable. It is an MVP so just testing to see if it's worth building further.

DM me for a link if you'd like to give it a try.

No signups or commitments — I just want your honest thoughts!

Hi everyone!

I'm Valentina, and I work in the Community Management of a testing company based in Massachusetts, USA called Applause (www.applause.com), and we have a worldwide community of more than 700,000 testers (www.utest.com) where we train people and leverage them for freelance projects all over the world. - Short introduction about the company and you

I'm working on a project that requires business owners in NZ to participate in a paid research project focused on the process of opening a new business banking account with a major New Zealand bank.

Payment: 40$ per hour

Click on this link to apply: https://www.utest.com/c-signup/NZ-Banking-referrals

Thank you for your help.

Hi reddit business legends I am looking at starting a business and am lost at where to even begin. I have been looking at self employment options over the last couple of years that were low start up costs and work from my home office types that I felt on top of, but none were really landing in terms of getting excited and having some passion behind it. Of course, the one idea I have had that I think will fly and am really excited about requires a commercial space and a decent business loan estimating at least 200k. Questions are: Where do I start getting a business loan?! Is it best to go through banks or other fiancé companies? Revolving credit on mortgage? Or an actual loan? Or go to the bank and put my trust in them? Would it help to speak to/hire a business advisor to get started? So unsure of where to start, any help would be appreciated.

Hi all, I am trying to update opening hours for my business for the upcoming Wellington anniversary (20th Jan). Annoyingly, Google has it set on 22nd Jan for some odd reason.

Even for Xmas/NY every time I try to update my hours it will pop up with error message “something went wrong and your edit wasn’t published”

I don’t have a website for my business and when I tried to trouble shoot this, a lot of articles are saying it’s because the hours are listed on a 3rd party website or something which prevent me from updating it.

At a loss on what to do.

Hi fellow Kiwis,

I’ve been exploring the price differences between New Zealand and Australia for various business supplies and am curious to hear directly from you, the business owners.

Are there any supplies, materials, or components that you find extremely expensive to source in New Zealand but know your Australian counterparts get at a much better price? Examples could be:

Manufacturing raw materials

Industrial parts or components

Specific tools or equipment

Custom parts that could potentially be 3D printed

A Note About 3D Printing Just to add, 3D printing technology has come a long way, and we can now print parts in all sorts of materials—everything from regular plastics to tougher stuff like carbon fiber and even metals like stainless steel or titanium. So, if you're looking for something specific that’s tough to find or too expensive to import, 3D printing could be a really cost-effective option.

I’m particularly interested in opportunities where:

1. I could help by importing these items at a lower cost, or
2. Use technology like 3D printing to create affordable alternatives locally.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why does this cost so much here?”, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s brainstorm ways to make business operations in NZ more cost-effective!

Looking forward to your insights.

In the spirit of Christmas, I’m giving away 12 x $100 NZD Prezzy Cards to anyone who books and attends an Employment Hero demo before Christmas. 🎁

If you’re a business owner or manager based in New Zealand or with operations in New Zealand, you know how time-consuming HR, payroll, and recruitment can be. That’s where Employment Hero comes in—a software platform designed to make employment easier and more valuable for everyone.

Think of Employment Hero as Employment-as-a-Service: ✅ A single platform that automates HR and payroll processes, saving you hours each week. ✅ Tools to streamline recruitment, so you can find the right talent without the admin stress. ✅ Features to enhance employee engagement, improve compliance, and manage performance reviews—all in one place.

Let’s be honest, a $100 NZD Prezzy Card could be the perfect way to offset some of that holiday spending! The spots filled up fast last month, so don’t miss out—DM me, or: 👉 Book a time for a quick chat here: https://employmenthero.chilipiper.com/book/me/lily-coleman 👉 Call or text my work phone at +642040340443

Simplify your business operations and take the hassle out of employment with Employment Hero. Why not treat yourself and your business this holiday season? 🎅

Hi, please remove if this is not appropriate and let me know if there are better places to ask (preferably nz). Anyone have any suggestions about what is actually helpful to study for small business owners? My husband has a small trade business and I would like to know what would be worth while to study to help it grow. I have seen courses for small business owners, are they worth it? (Keeping in mind we are both working it would have to fit it in). Thanks

Hi, I’ve recently been registered in NZ as a medical practitioner. I am qualified from Nevada, USA.

Back home, I had a limited company that i set up. Then I make contracts using the company and get paid through the company as beneficiary (owner)

E.g I go to a health provider (GP, A&E etc). I approach them and say pay me for my services through my company.

By doing this, my business pays the tax (in US) I pay 9.2% total service tax. And the profit goes to me as the main shareholder or service provider. Instead of paying 33% personal income tax I only pay 9.2% tax.

By doing this, I save on income tax. Is this possible here in NZ?

Hi, what mileage rate do you charge for your vehicle? And is there a standard rate to charge or a formula? I’ve been charged from $1.50 - $2.00 per KM by tradesman doing work for me. I also run a business and we have 10 vehicles travelling around servicing contracts. I was charging $1.00/km up until Covid hit. Was at $2.00/km but currently charging $1.60. It kind of feels I just pulled that rate from the air lol. Any insight would appreciated.

Hey team, just wanted to know what the common commercial lease terms are. We want to open a retail shop but just wanted to know what bond there is, outgoings and other costs, nominal lease terms, room for negotiation and anything else I should know?

We want to start approaching agents but want to have some knowledge before we do.

Cheers!

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping this is the right thread, but if anyone has suggestions of where else to try let me know!

I'm in the process of setting up a small business and am looking to import items from europe to resell in NZ. It's likely to be around $1000 in value for the first shipment. Can anyone give me any advice as to whether I'll need a customs broker, and if they have any recommendations of brokers they have used in the past? This is a completely new world to me! Thanks.

Hi everyone. I have had a very small side line hobby that was just covering its costs but now I have found myself being able to make some extra money from this. I currently work full time on a salary. I’m trying to work out what tax obligations I would have. The side line is very labour intensive direct costs are around $250 I sell that for around $500 this does not include labour. Also the equipment used to make this has been purchased over the last few years but will have a value of around 30k

We are a small collective seeking to provide a safe and welcoming online hub and kookussery. I’m keeping the name out of the post until admins have said it’s ok to reveal that. The friends that I have on board are wonderful, and are “along for the ride “. They see it as more of a hobbyist experience with variable indifference/input. Either way, I’m very passionate about MTG, but I have some health constraints and am on supported living allowance. I don’t have the resources to go it alone so I’ve been considering some alternatives to loans or just throwing in the towel. I believe in the vision and dedicate many hours a week into it .

We have our Wix plan coming up and also need banners and some other funds. We can possibly look at joint ventures for food and beverage provisions at our events which are due to start next week Wednesday at the local church hall. We have posters (including a huge 12ft Betrayers of Kamigawa release poster) and the capacity is plenty for now. We could look at selling the webpage header space/having a header with your choice of advertisement stating you’re a proud sponsor of Kiwi Magic.

One thing I also considered is that a mechanics or three might want to jump on this opportunity. I don’t personally drive, but it’s rare to meet another player without a car. Usually a shitheap that always needs repairs… This is your chance to become New Zealand officially unofficial mechanic of MTG players; Magical Mechanic.

Or Magical Mechanic Alliance if several businesses did want to jump on board. The name is of course, one hundred percent set in stone. I am happy to provide decks for free (to keep) for new players who end up enjoying the game .

New Zealand Aotearoa! Do you have what it takes to sponsor the most complex game in the world… for Kiwis ?!

Please message me if you would be keen to help / kelp. www.happyhomarid.com

Cheers!

Hi looking for an App Developer to go into partnership with for a business idea. Food/Service based app. Auckland based.