Increasing access for New Zealand businesses
Government procurement generates a substantial amount of economic activity in New Zealand and provides an important source of income for New Zealand businesses.
For this reason, increasing access for New Zealand businesses to government procurement is one of the priority outcomes for government procurement. It is also covered by Rule 17 of the Government Procurement Rules. Under this Rule agencies must consider how they can create opportunities for New Zealand businesses, including Māori, Pasifika and regional businesses.
Challenges New Zealand businesses may face when trying to win government contracts can be that they find the process of dealing with government over complicated. Simplifying many things such as the tender process, the selection and evaluation criteria, the contractual terms and even removing jargon are just some ways to reduce challenges for businesses. Small businesses can also find it challenging as they maybe too small to meet the supply needed or they may have a limited cash flow and require prompt payment.
Some of the practical steps agencies can take to support New Zealand businesses include:
- identifying upcoming opportunities
- early engagement
- working together to understand how these businesses can become part of the supply chain
- removing barriers that make it harder for Maori, Pasifika and regional business to be involved in government contract opportunities.
You can access some great resources in Hīkina our learning management system to support broader outcomes.
Increasing access for New Zealand businesses - You need to be a logged in, registered government user to complete this course.
Māori business
Ministers have been particularly interested in how government procurement can support Māori economic development. Development of a policy to support this objective is underway.
Read about some simple things that you can do to improve access for Māori, Pasifika, and regional businesses: