Selling to the Government

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 World Trade Organization’s Government Procurement Agreement, which promotes open, fair, and transparent competition in the government procurement market of participating countries.

U.S. companies bidding on government tenders may also qualify for U.S. Government advocacy.  A unit of the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration, the Advocacy Center coordinates U.S. government interagency advocacy efforts on behalf of U.S. exporters bidding on public sector contracts with international governments and government agencies.  The Advocacy Center works closely with our network of the U.S. Commercial Service worldwide and inter-agency partners to ensure that exporters of U.S. products and services have the best possible chance of winning government contracts.  Advocacy assistance can take many forms but often involves the U.S. Embassy or other U.S. Government agencies expressing support for the U.S. bidders directly to the foreign government.  Consult Advocacy for Foreign Government Contracts for additional information.

Financing of Projects

The New Zealand Treasury is the Government’s economic/financial advisor and plays a critical role in creating the New Zealand’s annual budget.

New Zealand projects are not eligible for Multilateral Development Bank funding.