New Zealand
New Zealand Trades Vendor Directory
Independent reviews of 28 New Zealand-relevant entries across 5 categories: job management software from Auckland-based Fergus and NextMinute, Tradify (founded in New Zealand, now owned by the UK's Access Group) and Australian-origin tools; licensing through EWRB for electrical work, PGDB for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying, and the LBP scheme for Restricted Building Work on homes; and payroll services that file with Inland Revenue.
Deciding between two options?
See NZ vendors in the same category side by side: pros and cons, NZ-specific notes and pricing.
What to check before choosing an NZ vendor
Licensing: electrical work needs EWRB registration and a practising licence renewed every 2 years; plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying need PGDB registration and a practising licence renewed each year; Restricted Building Work on homes must be done or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner. Customers can check each on a public register. GST: NextMinute, Tradify, PayHero and Invven quote NZD prices excluding GST, Localist includes GST, and Fergus, ServiceM8, NoCowboys and FairTrades NZ do not say. Payroll: iPayroll, Thankyou Payroll and Crystal Payroll say they act as PAYE intermediaries with Inland Revenue. Ownership: Tradify belongs to the UK's Access Group, Builderscrack to Australia's hipages Group, and Simpro and AroFlo to Simpro Group.
Job management software
Fergus and NextMinute are based in Auckland and Invven is a New Zealand company. Tradify was founded in New Zealand and is now owned by the UK's Access Group. ServiceM8 is an Australian company, Simpro started in Brisbane and AroFlo is headquartered in Melbourne; Simpro and AroFlo are both part of Simpro Group. GST treatment and accounting links differ by vendor, so check each entry.
Fergus
Tier S · Published pricesAuckland-based job management software for trades, built by a tradesman, from $53 a month
Fergus is job management software created by Dan Pollard, a tradesman who built it while running his own trades business, and is based in Eden Terrace, Auckland. It covers quoting, scheduling, job tracking, job phases, time and materials, invoicing and reporting, with iOS and Android apps and Fergus Pay for card payments. Fergus says it is trusted by more than 25,000 tradies and sells Basic and Professional plans, with a custom Enterprise plan for teams over 10 staff.
NZ-specific note
Fergus says its support is New Zealand-based, by phone (0800 461 219), live chat and email, in your time zone. It imports supplier invoices from NZ merchants including Plumbing World, Mico, Corys, PlaceMakers and ITM, applies 15% GST automatically and syncs to Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks. Its NZ pages do not mention ACC or PAYE handling.
Pros
- + Published monthly prices with no lock-in contract and a 14-day free trial
- + Supplier invoice import from Plumbing World, Mico, Corys, PlaceMakers and ITM
- + NZ-based support team in Auckland
- + Job phases, deposits and progress payments for staged work
Cons
- − GPS tracking, checklists, job phases and purchase orders are on Professional only
- − Basic support is email and chat only; phone support needs Professional
- − Pricing page does not say whether prices are per user or include GST
- − Certificates, SMS and card payments are charged on top
NextMinute
Tier S · Published pricesNZ-owned job management software for builders and construction trades, from NZ$199 a month for up to 9 users
NextMinute is job management software for builders and construction trades, based in Auckland with an Australian office in Cronulla NSW. It covers lead management, quoting, scheduling, crew timesheets, job invoicing and financial reporting, with two-way sync to Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks. NextMinute says it is trusted by more than 5,000 tradies and industry partners and that every plan includes all features.
NZ-specific note
NextMinute says it is New Zealand owned and operated, with an Auckland CBD office and Auckland-based support (09 801 6487). NZ prices are in NZD, excluding 15% GST, and include unlimited setup, training and support.
Pros
- + Published NZD prices with all features on every plan
- + Month to month with no lock-in contract
- + Setup, training and ongoing support included
- + Two-way sync with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks
Cons
- − Lowest plan is priced for 3-9 users, so small crews pay for the full band
- − Prices exclude GST
- − Free trial is 10 days, against 14 days at Fergus and Tradify
- − Built around project-based construction trades rather than service call-outs
Tradify (NZ)
Tier S · Published pricesJob management software for trade businesses, founded in NZ and owned by the UK's Access Group, from NZ$48 per user a month excluding GST
Tradify is job management software for trade businesses, founded in New Zealand and bought by the UK's Access Group under a deal announced in October 2024. It covers enquiries, quoting, scheduling, job tracking, timesheets, invoicing and online payments, and syncs with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks. Pricing is per user per month, and Tradify says it serves tens of thousands of tradies.
NZ-specific note
NZ prices are in NZD excluding GST. Tradify lists an office at 81 Union Street, Auckland CBD, NZ 0800 support numbers and free one-on-one training and phone support. Its NZ pages do not claim ACC or PAYE handling.
Pros
- + Published NZD per-user prices, month to month with no contract
- + 14-day free trial with no credit card
- + Free one-on-one training and phone support from an Auckland office
- + Syncs with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks, with Stripe for card payments
Cons
- − Per-user pricing adds up as the team grows
- − Timesheets, job photos and certificates need Pro; purchase orders and reporting need Plus
- − Prices exclude GST, and SMS (20c each) and the Instant Website ($19 a month) cost extra
- − Now owned by an overseas software group rather than independent
ServiceM8 (NZ)
Tier S · Published pricesAustralian-made job management app for small trade and service businesses, priced in NZD by jobs per month with unlimited users
ServiceM8 is job management software from ServiceM8 Pty Ltd, an Australian company, built around its iPhone and iPad app, with ServiceM8 Lite for Android field staff. Its New Zealand site lists NZD prices per business by jobs per month, and every paid plan includes unlimited users. ServiceM8 says contractors around the world have used it to manage over $50 billion in jobs, and that it won Xero's Global Innovation App of the Year award.
NZ-specific note
ServiceM8 runs a New Zealand site with NZD prices and offers help through local partners; its terms are with the Australian company under Australian law. It shows Xero Preferred App and MYOB Certified Add-on badges and also integrates with QuickBooks Online. The NZ pricing page does not say whether prices include GST.
Pros
- + Published NZD prices, from a free plan up to $349 a month
- + Unlimited users on every paid plan
- + No lock-in, and the 14-day trial needs no payment details
- + Integrates with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks Online
Cons
- − Optimised for iPhone and iPad; Android users get ServiceM8 Lite
- − Price rises with monthly job volume, and the Free plan is limited to 1 user and 30 jobs
- − Card processing costs 1.19% + 30c to 3.10% + 30c depending on plan
- − Terms are under Australian law, and the NZ pricing page does not state GST treatment
Simpro (NZ)
Tier A · ListedJob, project and service management software for trade contractors, from Simpro Group, with an Auckland office
Simpro is job, project and service management software for trade contractors, covering quotes, scheduling, dispatch, invoicing, payments and inventory. It started in Brisbane and is now run by Simpro Group, which raised US$350 million from K1 in November 2021 and also owns AroFlo, ClockShark and BigChange. Simpro says more than 8,500 service, project and maintenance businesses use it.
NZ-specific note
Simpro lists a New Zealand office on Albert Street in central Auckland with an 0800 number. It is a Platinum Partner of Master Plumbers New Zealand, and its Xero NZ app syncs contacts, invoices, supplier invoices, payments, timesheets and inventory journals.
Pros
- + Quoting, scheduling, dispatch, invoicing, payments and inventory in one system
- + Auckland office and a New Zealand 0800 number
- + Platinum Partner of Master Plumbers New Zealand
- + Two-way Xero sync, listed on the Xero NZ app store
Cons
- − No public prices: you need a sales quote
- − Initial setup fee for onboarding, training and data migration
- − Add-ons such as fleet tracking and maintenance planning change the price
AroFlo (NZ)
Tier S · Published pricesMelbourne-based job management software for Australian and New Zealand trades, part of Simpro Group, with an NZ 0800 line
AroFlo is job management software for trade businesses in Australia and New Zealand, founded by an Australian electrician and headquartered in Melbourne. Simpro bought AroFlo in November 2021, and it is now part of Simpro Group, which also owns Simpro, BigChange and ClockShark. AroFlo says more than 2,800 businesses use it, and it has added an AI layer called AroFlo Lightning.
NZ-specific note
AroFlo has a New Zealand support line (0800 853 992) but no separate NZ pricing or NZ site section. Its supplier integrations include New Zealand wholesalers Plumbing World and Ideal Electrical NZ, and it links to Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks and Reckon for accounting.
Pros
- + Published starting price: $80 per user a month, falling as users are added
- + Supplier integrations with NZ wholesalers Plumbing World and Ideal Electrical NZ
- + Accounting links to Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks and Reckon
- + New Zealand 0800 support line
Cons
- − Minimum of 3 users, so a sole trader pays for at least 3 licences
- − Setup fee on top of the subscription
- − Pricing page does not state currency or GST, and there is no NZ price list
- − GPS tracking and the AI bill scanner are paid add-ons
Invven
Tier S · Published pricesNew Zealand-built invoicing, quoting and inventory software for trade businesses, with cost prices hidden from customer documents
Invven is invoicing, quoting, job and inventory software from INVVEN Ltd, a New Zealand company. Its founder, Shane Smale, says on the About page that he owned and ran a New Zealand motorhome dealership for 27 years. Invven's inventory tools include barcode scanning, low-stock alerts and what it calls Stealth Margins, which keep cost prices off customer documents, and its AI tools turn photos into quotes and voice notes into invoices. It is a young product: its terms took effect on 1 May 2026.
NZ-specific note
Terms are with INVVEN Ltd under New Zealand law, and all billing is in NZD. Prices exclude GST, and 15% GST is added at checkout for NZ customers. The site can show approximate prices in AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, CAD or ZAR, but billing is still in NZD.
Pros
- + Published NZD prices from $29 a month, with annual plans priced at 10 months
- + 14-day free trial with no payment details
- + Inventory built in: barcode scanning, low-stock alerts and cost prices hidden from customer documents
- + AI photo-to-quote and voice-to-invoice tools on Professional and Business
Cons
- − Young product: its terms took effect on 1 May 2026
- − AI Receptionist costs extra, sold as prepaid minute packs from $39 NZD+GST for 60 minutes
- − WhatsApp messages cost $0.05 each on Professional and Business
- − Starter is limited to 1 user and 50 customers; GPS jobs and Xero/MYOB sync need Business
Lead-generation platforms
Different models. Builderscrack (owned by Australia's hipages Group) and FairTrades NZ let homeowners post jobs free for tradies to quote on; Builderscrack does not publish its tradie fees. NoCowboys is a ratings site with a $999 a year business registration, Trade Me Services sells 90-day listings for $89, and Localist sells profile plans from $5 a month that include no leads or quote requests.
Builderscrack
Tier A · ListedNew Zealand job-matching marketplace for homeowners and tradies, owned by Australia's hipages Group
Builderscrack is a New Zealand marketplace where homeowners post a job for free and verified tradies contact them to quote. It says it has been trusted by homeowners since 2007, and in September 2026 its homepage showed about 16,000 verified tradies and more than 980,000 jobs posted. Australia's hipages Group, listed on the ASX, bought Builderscrack in a deal of about $11.8 million announced in December 2021.
NZ-specific note
NZ-only marketplace with a Christchurch-based support team, owned by Australian parent hipages Group. Builderscrack does not publish its tradie fees on its public pages.
Pros
- + Homeowners post jobs for free, so enquiries come to tradies who sign up
- + Builderscrack says the tradies who contact homeowners are verified, and homeowners see profiles and reviews
- + Covers building, roofing, plumbing, electrical, painting, landscaping and other trades
- + Christchurch-based support team
Cons
- − No public pricing for tradies; costs are only visible after signing up
- − New Zealand only
- − Homeowners compare the tradies who respond before choosing one
NoCowboys
Tier S · Published pricesNew Zealand ratings site for tradespeople and businesses, with a $999 a year business registration
NoCowboys is a New Zealand ratings and review site for tradespeople and other businesses, run by NoCowboys Limited in Auckland. Consumers search by business type and location, read ratings, contact businesses directly, and can post jobs on a free jobs board for businesses to quote on. NoCowboys says it shows 146,730 ratings (September 2026) and that it takes no commission on jobs.
NZ-specific note
Covers all of New Zealand. Any consumer can add a business by name and phone number and rate it, so unregistered businesses also collect ratings; paid registration adds a full profile, review tools, a website build and priority over unregistered listings in many areas. NoCowboys says it checks ratings with email verification, IP tracking and requests for quotes or invoices from suspicious raters.
Pros
- + Published price: $999 a year, with no commissions or pay-per-click
- + Registration includes a profile, replies to reviews, a free website build and domain, and an account manager
- + Rating checks include email verification, IP tracking and requests for proof of the job
- + Consumers contact businesses directly, and a free jobs board lets them request quotes
Cons
- − Anyone can add your business and rate it, registered or not
- − Fees are not refundable except at NoCowboys' discretion
- − The site does not say whether the $999 includes GST
- − NoCowboys says most consumers search and contact businesses directly rather than post jobs, so leads depend on your profile
Trade Me Services
Tier S · Published pricesServices section of Trade Me, where providers pay $89 to list for 90 days and customers browse by category
Trade Me Services is the services section of Trade Me, the New Zealand online marketplace owned by private equity firm Apax Partners, which was reported in February 2026 to be seeking a buyer. Providers list a service under categories such as trades, domestic services, events and health, and customers browse the listings. On 30 September 2026 the Trades category showed 732 listings, including 280 in building and construction, 39 in electrical and gas, and 16 in plumbing.
NZ-specific note
Trade Me's help centre lists a $89 fee for a 90-day Services listing, with optional Feature ($189) and Super Feature ($209) upgrades and no other promotional extras; extending or relisting charges the fees again. On 30 September 2026 the web listing page showed a system-upgrade notice asking providers to list through the app or desktop site.
Pros
- + Sits inside Trade Me, alongside its Marketplace, Motors and Property sections
- + Published fee: $89 for a 90-day listing
- + Trade categories cover building, electrical and gas, plumbing, roofing, painting and more
- + Low competition in some trades: 16 plumbing listings on 30 September 2026
Cons
- − General services directory: trades sit alongside domestic, events and health services
- − Fees are charged again every 90 days when a listing is extended or relisted
- − Featured placement costs $189 or $209 on top of the listing fee
- − The fees are on Trade Me's help pages, not the Services pages
Localist
Tier S · Published pricesNew Zealand business directory built from the Companies register, where owners pay from $5 a month to claim and verify their profile
Localist is a New Zealand business directory that New Zealand Post launched in 2010 as an Auckland print directory and sold in 2014 to a management group led by CEO Christina Domecq. It now lists businesses from the Companies register (933,761 on its homepage in September 2026) and sells monthly plans that let owners claim, verify and expand their profile for Google, Maps and AI assistants. Its plans include a contact form but do not mention leads, quote requests or job requests.
NZ-specific note
Profiles are tied to the NZBN and the Companies Office register, and the Verified plan adds an NZBN-verified badge. Prices include GST and are billed monthly in NZD in advance; cancellation takes effect at the end of the billing period, with no refunds for partial periods.
Pros
- + Published prices including GST, from $5 a month
- + Many businesses are already listed from the Companies register, ready to claim
- + NZBN-verified badge on Verified and above
- + Monthly billing, cancel at the end of any billing period
Cons
- − No free plan for owners to manage their profile
- − No leads, quote requests or job requests in any plan
- − Review monitoring and AI support only on the $149 Growth plan
- − No refunds for partial billing periods
FairTrades NZ
Tier S · Published pricesNZ quote marketplace: homeowners post jobs free, tradies quote with no lead fees or commission
FairTrades is a New Zealand job marketplace where homeowners post a job free, compare quotes side by side and share contact details only after accepting a quote. Tradies build a profile and must pass FairTrades' minimum provider review before quoting; FairTrades says it charges no lead fees and no success commission, and earns from tradie plans instead. Its site lists 28 trades in four groups, and the 6 recent jobs it showed on 30 September 2026 were all in Christchurch.
NZ-specific note
FairTrades calls itself Kiwi owned and operated, but its site, terms and privacy policy do not name the company behind it. Its terms say the provider review does not mean every licence, qualification or insurance policy has been checked. The recent jobs shown were all in Christchurch, so check demand in your area before paying for a plan.
Pros
- + No lead fees and 0% success commission on every plan
- + Free plan allows up to 3 quotes per rolling 30 days once verified
- + Paid plans do not auto-renew
- + Pro and Business include JobLedger for jobs, reminders and invoices
Cons
- − Operating company not named on the site, terms or privacy policy
- − Recent jobs shown on the site were all in Christchurch
- − More than 3 quotes per 30 days needs a paid plan
- − Plans page does not say whether prices include GST
Business insurance
Two IAG New Zealand brands, NZI (sold through brokers) and AMI (direct, online or by phone); Suncorp-owned Vero, sold through brokers and advisers; Builtin, a Tauranga broker for builders and trades; and BizCover, an online platform that acts as the insurer's agent. AMI advertises its Tradies Insurance bundle from $19 a week and BizCover publishes average monthly costs as a guide; NZI, Vero and Builtin quote per business.
NZI Insurance
Tier A · ListedIAG New Zealand's business insurance brand, sold through insurance brokers
NZI is the business and commercial insurance brand of IAG New Zealand, part of Insurance Australia Group (IAG), whose other NZ brands include AMI, State and Lumley. IAG says NZI provides business, rural and personal insurance through brokers, so trade businesses buy NZI cover through an insurance broker rather than directly.
NZ-specific note
Sold through New Zealand insurance brokers; there is no direct online quote. Cover, limits and premiums for a trade business are set in the broker's quote.
Pros
- + Backed by IAG New Zealand, part of Insurance Australia Group
- + Broker distribution means advice on cover for your trade
- + Business, rural and personal cover available through one broker
Cons
- − No direct online quote; you need a broker
- − No public prices
- − Product details for trades are set per broker quote
Vero Insurance
Tier A · ListedSuncorp-owned NZ insurer with a Tradies Insurance policy sold through brokers and advisers
Vero Insurance New Zealand is part of Suncorp New Zealand, which belongs to Australia's Suncorp Group, and sells through insurance brokers, advisers and partners rather than directly. Its Tradies Insurance policy can combine cover for vehicles, tools, stock and equipment, mobile devices, premises, public and product liability and business interruption.
NZ-specific note
Bought through a New Zealand broker or adviser (Vero has a broker locator on its site), not quoted directly online. Optional extras include licensed building practitioner cover and defective workmanship cover.
Pros
- + Tradies Insurance bundles vehicles, tools, liability and business interruption in one policy
- + Optional licensed building practitioner and defective workmanship cover
- + Broker or adviser helps set cover for your trade
Cons
- − No direct online quote; you need a broker or adviser
- − No public prices
- − Excesses, limits and exclusions vary by policy and are set in the quote
AMI Business
Tier A · ListedIAG New Zealand's direct insurance brand, with a Tradies Insurance bundle quoted online or by phone
AMI is one of IAG New Zealand's brands, alongside NZI, State and Lumley, and sells business insurance directly to small businesses. Its Tradies Insurance bundle combines cover for tools and equipment (up to $10,000, plus up to $5,000 for employees' tools and belongings) with public liability (broadform) up to $2 million. Tradies can get a quote online or by phone.
NZ-specific note
Quote online or call AMI on 0800 100 200, with monthly or annual payments. Tools are covered for accidental damage anywhere in New Zealand and for theft from a locked building or vehicle; theft from an unlocked vehicle or job site needs the optional Theft cover add-on, according to AMI's tradies page.
Pros
- + Direct online or phone quote, no broker needed
- + Bundles tools cover and public liability for small trade businesses
- + Covers employees' tools and belongings up to $5,000
- + Monthly or annual payment
Cons
- − Tools cover is capped at $10,000 and public liability at $2 million in the bundle
- − Theft from an unlocked vehicle or job site needs an optional add-on
- − Sold direct, so there is no broker to advise on cover
Builtin
Tier A · ListedTauranga-based insurance broker for builders and trades, with roots in 2002
Builtin Insurance Brokers Limited is a Tauranga-based broker for builders and trade businesses, holding a Class 2 financial advice provider licence (FSP28581) and belonging to the Steadfast broker network. It traces its history to 2002, when it began insuring Certified Builders Association members, and says it is family-owned, with Keryl and Ben Rickard as shareholders and directors. It places cover with insurers including Ando, IAG, Vero, QBE, Lloyd's, DUAL, UANZ and AIG, across liability, contract works, tools, commercial vehicles, professional indemnity, bonds and a Residential Completion Guarantee.
NZ-specific note
Builtin offers LBP professional indemnity for Licensed Building Practitioners (errors in records of work and negligent supervision) and instant online quotes for liability, tools and vehicles. Its Residential Completion Guarantee covers a homeowner's lost deposit and non-completion up to 10% of the contract value, to a maximum of $100,000, with no post-completion defects cover. It is the named insurance partner for TANZ, NZCCA, Building Hub and PlaceMakers Plus members.
Pros
- + Broker specialising in construction and trades, with its own FAP licence
- + LBP professional indemnity for Licensed Building Practitioners
- + Instant online quotes for liability, tools and vehicles
- + Residential Completion Guarantee you can offer homeowners
Cons
- − No published prices; premiums quoted per business
- − Paid by insurer commission and may add advisory fees
- − Completion Guarantee has no post-completion defects cover
- − Steadfast network takes up to 1.5% of each policy from insurers
BizCover (NZ)
Tier A · ListedOnline business insurance for NZ tradies, with cover from AIG, Ando, DUAL and BHSI
BizCover is an online business insurance platform, trading in New Zealand as BizCover Limited, that sells cover from four insurers (AIG, Ando, DUAL New Zealand and Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance) and acts as the insurer's agent, not the customer's. It was founded in Sydney in 2008, is listed as one of AUB Group's business areas, and its NZ homepage says more than 18,000 NZ small businesses use it. It says it covers 900+ occupations, including builders, plumbers, electricians, painters and other trades.
NZ-specific note
For tradies BizCover sells public liability at six limits from $1M to $20M, tool and portable equipment cover, professional indemnity and other covers online, with policy documents emailed on purchase. On its tradie page it gives expected averages of $32 a month for public liability and $80 a month for tool cover (July 2023 to June 2024 customer average, a guide only). It adds a fee of $20 to $150 + GST per policy and keeps its commission and fees if you cancel.
Pros
- + Quote and buy online, with policy documents emailed straight away
- + Public liability limits from $1M to $20M
- + Publishes average monthly costs as a guide
- + Pay monthly or annually
Cons
- − Acts as the insurer's agent, not yours
- − BizCover fee of $20-$150 + GST per policy on top of the premium
- − Paying monthly adds $8 + GST a month
- − Commission and fees kept if you cancel
Payroll software
New Zealand payroll services that file with Inland Revenue. iPayroll, Thankyou Payroll and Crystal Payroll say they act as PAYE intermediaries; Smartly and PayHero also file with Inland Revenue. Pricing models differ: per pay run, per employee per pay run, or a monthly base fee plus a per-employee charge.
iPayroll
Tier S · Published pricesNew Zealand cloud payroll and PAYE intermediary service, founded in 2001, priced per pay run
iPayroll is a cloud payroll service founded in New Zealand in 2001 by Martin Gleeson, with offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and in Melbourne and Sydney. It handles payday filing with Inland Revenue, KiwiSaver deductions and leave, and as a PAYE intermediary it can collect and pay a customer's PAYE for them. iPayroll says it has 12,000 customers across the group and integrates with Xero, MYOB and HR tools.
NZ-specific note
iPayroll says it registered as a PAYE intermediary with Inland Revenue in 2006; on its Standard plan it collects PAYE each pay run and pays it to IR for you, and it files payday returns. KiwiSaver deductions and leave are handled; ACC levies are not mentioned on its site.
Pros
- + PAYE intermediary service collects and pays PAYE to Inland Revenue for you
- + Price calculator on the pricing page, charged per pay run
- + Employee Kiosk and app for payslips, pay history and leave requests
- + Xero integration since 2006, plus MYOB and HR tool links
Cons
- − Set-up fees may apply and prices exclude GST and bank fees
- − DIY-PAYE and Enterprise prices are only by request
- − No free trial mentioned on the pricing page
- − ACC levy handling not mentioned
Smartly
Tier S · Published pricesNew Zealand payroll software, formerly SmartPayroll, with self-run and Smartly-run payroll plans
Smartly, formerly SmartPayroll, is New Zealand payroll software that pays employees into their bank accounts, deducts PAYE, KiwiSaver and other deductions, and files returns with Inland Revenue. It sells self-managed payroll plans, optionally with people management tools, and Smartly-run plans where its team runs the payroll.
NZ-specific note
Built for New Zealand payroll: PAYE and KiwiSaver deductions and filing with Inland Revenue. Pricing is per employee per pay run plus a monthly platform fee, excluding GST.
Pros
- + Handles PAYE, KiwiSaver deductions and Inland Revenue filing
- + Choice of running payroll yourself or having Smartly run it
- + Optional people management tools on top of payroll
Cons
- − A monthly platform fee applies on top of per-employee charges
- − Prices exclude GST
- − Charges apply per employee on every pay run, so weekly pay cycles cost more than monthly ones
PayHero
Tier S · Published pricesNew Zealand payroll software from Wellington's FlexiTime, with automated payday filing and GPS timesheets for trades
PayHero is New Zealand payroll software from FlexiTime, a Wellington company that says it has run payroll for Kiwi businesses since 2008 and launched PayHero in 2019. It covers pay runs, automated payday filing with Inland Revenue, leave, and timesheets and leave requests through an employee app. Its trades page adds GPS time tracking, job-level timesheets, tool allowances and mileage reimbursements.
NZ-specific note
PayHero says it handles leave in line with the Holidays Act 2003 and current government guidance, and calculates public holiday entitlements from work patterns and timesheet history. The Employment Leave Act 2026 replaces the Holidays Act from 6 August 2028; PayHero has said it plans to update the software and move existing leave balances across before then.
Pros
- + Published NZD prices, pay as you go with no lock-in contract
- + Automated payday filing of PAYE with Inland Revenue
- + Trades features: GPS time tracking, job-level timesheets, tool allowances and mileage reimbursements
- + Public holiday entitlements calculated from work patterns and timesheet history
Cons
- − Origin plan is capped at 10 employees
- − Base fee plus a per-employee charge each month, excluding GST
- − GPS clock-in, timesheet approvals and break calculations need Super or above
- − Leave rules change when the Employment Leave Act 2026 starts in August 2028
Thankyou Payroll
Tier S · Published pricesNZ payroll that files and pays PAYE to IRD for you, free for registered charities
Thankyou Payroll is a New Zealand cloud payroll service founded in Dunedin in 2009 and now based in Wellington; it says it is owned by Generous Ventures, which grew out of the Thankyou Charitable Trust, and puts its profits back into communities. It says it is an IRD-accredited PAYE intermediary: employers transfer the gross payroll to Thankyou, which pays staff, files payday information and pays deductions to IRD. It says over 7,000 organisations use it. RNZ reported on 10 September 2026 that Thankyou Payroll was caught up in a global breach of the Metabase reporting tool that exposed names, IRD numbers, addresses, bank account details and payment histories.
NZ-specific note
Thankyou Payroll says it files payday information and pays PAYE, KiwiSaver, student loan and child support deductions to IRD for you on every plan. It calculates ordinary and average weekly pay and relevant and average daily pay for Holidays Act leave, tracks annual and sick leave balances, and posts pay journals to Xero.
Pros
- + PAYE intermediary service (payday filing and IRD payments) on every plan
- + Published prices with a monthly cap; you pay only for pays you run
- + No setup fee or contract, and nothing to pay until your first pay
- + Free for registered charities
Cons
- − Per-pay fee makes weekly pay runs cost more, up to the monthly cap
- − Gross payroll must reach Thankyou before payday (2 days ahead on the 2 Day plan)
- − Hit by a September 2026 data breach via the Metabase reporting tool, per RNZ
Crystal Payroll
Tier S · Published pricesAuckland-made cloud payroll with automatic IRD payday filing, running since 2005
Crystal Payroll is a New Zealand cloud payroll and timesheet service based in Birkenhead, Auckland, which says it has been running since 2005 and serves thousands of Kiwi businesses. It says it is an IRD-accredited PAYE intermediary and files payday returns to IRD for you two working days after payday, from a Payday Filing Dashboard. It handles KiwiSaver and holiday pay calculations, including for variable-rate and shift workers, and connects to Xero, MYOB, Reckon and Farm Focus.
NZ-specific note
Crystal Payroll says it is an IRD-accredited PAYE intermediary and files payday returns automatically two working days after the pay date. It says it manages holiday pay and leave calculations under New Zealand law, including for staff on variable rates and shift workers, and employees can submit timesheets and leave requests through its app.
Pros
- + Automatic IRD payday filing from a Payday Filing Dashboard
- + Holiday pay and leave calculations for variable-rate and shift workers
- + Employee app for timesheets and leave requests
- + No minimum period, and money back within 30 days of your first pay run, Crystal says
Cons
- − Published price covers up to 5 employees; bigger teams use a calculator or ask sales
- − One-off $50 registration fee, and training costs $60 an hour
- − Data migration priced on request
Licensing, regulators and associations
EWRB registers and licenses electrical workers, PGDB registers and licenses plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers, and Restricted Building Work on homes must be done or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). WorkSafe New Zealand enforces health and safety duties that apply to every trade business. The Registered Master Builders Association and Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ are voluntary memberships and do not replace licensing.
EWRB (Electrical Workers Registration Board)
Tier A · ListedNew Zealand's registration and licensing board for electrical workers, under the Electricity Act 1992
The Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) registers and licenses New Zealand electrical workers under the Electricity Act 1992, with MBIE running its portal and public register. Only registered and licensed workers can carry out or supervise prescribed electrical work, and a practising licence must be renewed every 2 years after a Board-approved competence programme. A new registration framework took effect on 1 September 2024, and endorsed classes for high-risk work apply from 1 September 2026.
NZ-specific note
Registration and a current practising licence are separate: register once in a class such as Electrician, Electrical Installer or Electrical Service Technician, then renew the practising licence every 2 years. Customers can check a worker's licence on the Electrical Workers Public Register. EWRB says it can investigate and prosecute unlicensed prescribed electrical work.
Pros
- + Clear legal route to doing prescribed electrical work in New Zealand
- + Public register lets customers check a worker's licence
- + Step-up pathways from Service Technician to Installer and Installer to Electrician
- + TTMRA pathway for Australian electrical workers
Cons
- − Practising licence must be renewed every 2 years with a competence programme
- − Individual fees are only shown in the MBIE portal, not on public pages
- − High-risk work needs an extra endorsed class from 1 September 2026
- − Employer Licences cost $1,235 per year of term and suit larger organisations
PGDB (Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board)
Tier A · ListedNew Zealand's registration and licensing board for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers
The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) registers and licenses plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers in New Zealand under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006, sets minimum competence standards, and handles complaints, discipline and court prosecutions of people doing unauthorised work. The Board says it is a not-for-profit body funded by fees, with ten ministerially appointed members representing the trade and the public. Registration classes include certifying, plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer, and restricted, plus limited certificates for trainees.
NZ-specific note
Customers can check a tradesperson's licence on the PGDB public register, and practitioners can show their licence in the PGDB app or on a physical card. Homeowners may only do limited DIY work, such as replacing taps or clearing a blocked drain without altering pipes. From 7 September 2026, certifying plumbers and drainlayers with a self-certification endorsement can sign off their own consented work instead of an inspection by the building consent authority.
Pros
- + Public register lets customers check a tradesperson's licence
- + Published fees: $100 annual licence plus a $275 levy, incl GST
- + One board covers plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying
- + Self-certification endorsement from September 2026 lets endorsed certifying practitioners sign off their own work
Cons
- − The $275 disciplinary and prosecution levy is paid every year on top of the licence
- − Renewal each year requires completed CPD
- − Board exams cost $330 each ($410 for certifying)
- − Self-certification endorsement costs $2,260 for 3 years
LBP (Licensed Building Practitioners)
Tier A · ListedNew Zealand licensing scheme for builders and designers who do or supervise Restricted Building Work on homes
The Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP) scheme licenses people assessed as competent to carry out building work essential to the structure or weathertightness of residential buildings. It started in November 2007 under the Building Act 2004 and is overseen by the Building Practitioners Board, part of MBIE. Licence classes are Design 1-3, Site 1-3, Carpentry, Roofing, External Plastering, Brick and Blocklaying, and Foundations.
NZ-specific note
Restricted Building Work (consented work on a home's primary structure, weathertightness or certain fire safety design) must be done or supervised by an LBP, and breaches can bring an instant fine or a court fine of up to $50,000. Homeowners can check a practitioner on the public LBP register, and LBPs must relicense every year and keep up skills maintenance.
Pros
- + Required to do or supervise Restricted Building Work on homes
- + Public register lets homeowners check a practitioner
- + Published application and assessment fees, including GST
- + Classes cover design, site, carpentry, roofing, plastering, masonry and foundations
Cons
- − Relicensing every year plus ongoing skills maintenance
- − Several classes and areas of practice to choose from
- − Only Restricted Building Work needs an LBP, not all building work
- − Applicants may need a face-to-face interview, at extra cost, if the written application falls short
WorkSafe New Zealand
Tier A · ListedNZ's work health and safety regulator: HSWA duties apply to every trade business
WorkSafe New Zealand is a Crown agency and, in its own words, New Zealand's primary work health and safety regulator under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA); it also administers the Gas Act 1992 and Electricity Act 1992. HSWA duties apply by law to every PCBU, including self-employed tradies, and WorkSafe enforces them through workplace assessments, formal warnings, enforceable undertakings and prosecutions. Construction is one of its listed priority industries.
NZ-specific note
Trade businesses must give WorkSafe 24 hours' notice of particularly hazardous work, such as construction or scaffolding with a risk of falling 5 metres or more, or trenches over 1.5 metres deep that are deeper than they are wide. HSWA amendments take effect on 1 April 2027, bringing in small and large PCBU categories and a focus on critical risks; WorkSafe published its first guidance on them in September 2026.
Pros
- + Guidance and tools on WorkSafe's site, including new guides for the 2027 changes
- + Online notification of hazardous work and incidents
- + Public registers to check asbestos licence holders and gas practitioners
- + Meeting HSWA duties reduces the risk of enforcement action
Cons
- − Duties apply by law; there is no opt-out
- − 24 hours' notice needed before particularly hazardous work
- − Law changes on 1 April 2027 mean reviewing how you manage critical risks
- − Compliance is a baseline, not a badge to market
Registered Master Builders Association
Tier A · ListedVoluntary builders' association whose members can offer the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee
The Registered Master Builders Association of New Zealand Incorporated is a voluntary membership body for residential and commercial building companies, with 23 branches and six regional hubs. Members get standard building contracts, expert advice, free dispute resolution for themselves and their clients, discount schemes, entry to the members-only House of the Year awards and access to the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, which the association offers through its wholly owned Master Build Services Limited. Membership is not a licence: licensing for structural and weathertightness work on homes sits with the government-run LBP scheme.
NZ-specific note
The 10-Year Guarantee covers a homeowner's lost deposit (up to $50,000 or 10% of the contract), non-completion (up to $500,000 or 20%), materials and workmanship for 2 years after practical completion and structural defects for 10 years, up to $1,000,000 or the contract value in total. It is available only through a Master Builders member, with fees of $730 (partial cover) to $6,325 (full cover) incl. GST for contracts of $30,000 to $4 million; it is not available for contracts over $4 million.
Pros
- + Members can offer homeowners the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee
- + Standard building contracts and expert legal, employment and H&S advice
- + Free dispute resolution for members and their clients
- + Members-only House of the Year awards and a find-a-builder listing
Cons
- − Residential builders pay $1,605-$3,475 + GST a year (2026), by turnover
- − Fees rise in 2027, for example to $1,670-$3,615 for residential builders
- − Voluntary: it does not replace LBP licensing
- − Guarantee fee of $730-$6,325 incl. GST per project
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ
Tier A · ListedVoluntary membership body for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers, with a homeowner guarantee
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc. is a voluntary membership body for the three trades that says it has operated since 1901 and has 19 branches. Business membership is open to certifying plumbers, gasfitters or drainlayers who have run their own business for at least six months, or businesses employing certified tradespeople. Members get a free technical helpline, employment and legal helpline support, a health and safety manual, training, and discounts on fuel cards and Site Safe membership; it also runs Masterlink, a group apprenticeship scheme.
NZ-specific note
Homeowners who use a member are covered by the 12-month residential Master Plumbers Guarantee of up to $20,000 incl. GST, for substandard workmanship and prepaid money lost if the member goes into liquidation or bankruptcy; complaints must be lodged within 12 months of the invoice. Membership is voluntary: registration and licensing for restricted plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work sits with the PGDB.
Pros
- + Members' residential work is backed by a 12-month guarantee of up to $20,000 incl. GST
- + Free technical helpline for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying
- + Employment advice and 20 free minutes on a legal helpline
- + 10% off Site Safe membership, plus fuel and first aid discounts
Cons
- − Business fees of $1,241-$2,685 a year incl. GST, plus a $175 + GST application fee
- − Voluntary: does not replace PGDB registration and licensing
- − Business membership needs a certifying tradesperson and 6+ months in business
- − Guarantee capped at $20,000 per member for liquidation or bankruptcy claims
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