Expats planning on doing business in New Zealand are sure to find that the nation's friendly, yet professional corporate atmosphere is well-suited to their ambitions. The combination of the country's market economy, dependent on international trade, and economic free-market reforms have resulted in New Zealand being praised as one of the world's easiest countries in which to do business.

New Zealand is ranked, an impressive third in the World Bank's "Ease of Doing Business" rankings, particularly excelling in the criteria of 'starting a business' and 'protecting investors' – where it is ranked first, out of 183 countries.

Business Culture in New Zealand

The business culture in New Zealand conforms to a typically British model – being formal, reserved, and conservative. However, New Zealand's corporate culture distinguishes itself from the metropole with its characteristically South Pacific warmth and friendliness, creating a relaxed, yet professional atmosphere in which rewarding personal relationships may be developed among business associates.

The general approach to management in New Zealand is hierarchical, with decisions being made by senior-level executives – though ideas, input and collaboration, from all members of the organisation, are also highly valued in the New Zealand workplace.

Business etiquette in New Zealand will be familiar to those who've worked in western corporate environments before. Use titles, until instructed not to do so, and maintain eye contact when speaking to your associates. New Zealand businessmen tend to favour forthrightness, honesty and hard work over showiness, self-aggrandisement and empty promises – they will be far more interested in what you actually do, than what you merely say you can do.

When raising an idea or responding to someone else's, present your point directly, and back it up with facts and figures. While a relaxed, human-orientated atmosphere is prized in the New Zealand workplace, business decisions remain unemotional, and motivated by the business' best interests.

Business meetings should be scheduled at least a week in advance, and then confirmed a few days before they are due to take place. Be punctual, as lateness can be seen as a sign of unreliability, or even indifference. If at all possible, avoid scheduling meetings in December and January – this is holiday time in New Zealand, and many people will be on leave.

Expats should expect a little idle chit-chat before getting down to 'the agenda' at business meetings – sport is a massively popular topic of conversation, and you'll probably want to keep one or two complimentary things to say about the All Blacks (New Zealand's national rugby team) up your sleeve, for good measure!

There is no specific protocol for the exchanging of business cards in New Zealand, though it is typically done when meeting a potential associate for the first time. A really nice touch, if meeting with someone from a non-European background, would be to get one side of your card translated into te reo Māori.

The dress code for business in New Zealand is difficult to pin down, though you should always appear well-groomed and presentable. For a first meeting, men should stick to a dark suit, worn with a tie; and women, should wear a smart dress/business suit/pant suit, and limited accessories. Some industries in New Zealand will exhibit a very relaxed dress code – it is not terribly unusual to see a Kiwi businessman wearing jeans and a sports jacket to the office on some days.

Starting a Business in New Zealand

As indicated by its World Bank ranking, it is exceedingly easy to start a business in New Zealand. All that you need to do to register is to apply online with the Companies Office, requesting an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) Number, and registering for Goods and Service Tax (GST). This can literally be achieved in one day, costing a grand total of 160 NZD (10 NZD for company name reservation; 150 NZD for incorporation).

Doing business in New Zealand: Fast facts

Business language: English

Hours of business: Generally, from 8.30am (or 9am) to 5pm, Monday to Friday; and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays

Dress: Variable, but usually, smart and formal dress is worn (especially to meetings)

Gifts: Gifts are not usually exchanged during business meetings; however, if you are invited to a colleague's home, be sure to take along some wine, chocolates or flowers to say thanks

Gender equality: Women are treated as equals in the New Zealand workplace, often rising to senior corporate positions

Do's and don'ts of doing business in New Zealand

• DO - be polite and reserved, yet willing to develop personal relationships with your colleagues
• DO - get involved in 'team-building' exercises; these are taken quite seriously in New Zealand
• DON'T - try to prove your credentials by talking about them – rather, show your worth to your New Zealand employers, by getting on with it and working hard
• DON'T - make unfavourable comparisons between New Zealand and its neighbour, Australia – this is a sore point for many Kiwis