New Zealand has effectively removed all barriers to foreign firms’ bidding and winning procurement contracts. Government procurement follows the principle of best value through competition.  There is no domestic preference policy or discrimination against foreign suppliers.  The New Zealand government, however, encourages “full and fair opportunity” for New Zealand suppliers.  Procurement decisions are made at the individual department or agency level.

New Zealand Government Procurement, an agency within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, provides information on the New Zealand Government’s procurement policy.  Procurement opportunities for most government agencies can be found on their websites. A comprehensive list of government procurement opportunities is available through the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS). 

New Zealand is a signatory to the WTO’s Government Procurement Agreement, which promotes open, fair, and transparent competition in the government procurement market of participating countries.

U.S. firms bidding on New Zealand government tenders may qualify for support from the U.S. Commerce Department’s Advocacy Center.  The Center, in collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service and other agencies, assists U.S. exporters in securing public sector contracts.  Advocacy often includes U.S. Embassy or agency endorsements directly to the foreign government. For more details, consult the Advocacy for Foreign Government Contracts resource.