Payroll software · New Zealand · Head-to-head
Crystal Payroll vs Thankyou Payroll
Two New Zealand payroll software options, compared side by side for New Zealand trades.
Which should you choose?
Crystal Payroll and Thankyou Payroll are closely matched (both Tier A) for New Zealand payroll software. The right choice comes down to fit: weigh the pros, cons, pricing, and New Zealand-specific notes for each against your trade and region.
Crystal Payroll
Tier A · WorkableNZ cloud payroll strong on irregular and shift hours
A long-running (10+ year) NZ-only cloud payroll, Auckland-based with NZ support. It is a strong fit for irregular hours and shift workers — relevant to trades with variable jobsite hours — and positions on low, stable pricing plus local service. It is also an IRD-accredited PAYE intermediary.
Pros
- + Automated IRD payday filing with a dedicated dashboard
- + IRD-accredited PAYE intermediary
- + Accurate PAYE/KiwiSaver/holiday-pay calculations
- + NZ-based support; low entry price held 10+ years
Cons
- − Cloud-only
- − One-off NZ$50 registration + paid training
- − Very small public review footprint (limited independent signal)
- − Plan tiers not clearly itemised publicly
New Zealand note
IRD payday filing automated with a filings dashboard; PAYE intermediary; KiwiSaver and holiday pay handled. "Proudly made in New Zealand," Auckland.
Thankyou Payroll
Tier A · WorkableNZ cloud payroll + IRD PAYE intermediary — files PAYE/KiwiSaver for you
NZ-only cloud payroll for small businesses, charities and NFPs. It acts as an IRD-accredited PAYE Intermediary — filing and paying PAYE/KiwiSaver to IRD on the employer’s behalf, more hands-off than DIY tools. It competes with iPayroll/Smartly/PayHero on price and simplicity, with a social-enterprise/carbon-positive identity.
Pros
- + Full PAYE-intermediary service — automated payday filing + IRD payments
- + Transparent capped NZD pricing (charged only for pays you run)
- + Free until first pay run; 100% free for registered charities
- + Native Xero; employee app + payslips
Cons
- − Per-pay base fee can add up for weekly cycles
- − Smaller brand than iPayroll/Smartly
- − Lighter feature depth (small-team geared)
- − Transitioning to charity ownership (minor structural note)
New Zealand note
IRD payday filing explicitly automated; acts as an IRD PAYE Intermediary; handles KiwiSaver, PAYE and Holidays Act leave/holiday-pay calculations.
More New Zealand options
See all New Zealand payroll software vendors and the rest of the New Zealand directory.