Selling IT to government in New Zealand

New Zealand's public sector is small compared with Australia's or Canada's, but it's open, well organized and digitally ambitious, and it often buys from small specialist firms.

Where tenders are posted

• GETS (Government Electronic Tender Service): the main portal for open tenders from central government agencies and many local councils, district health and education bodies.
• Marketplace: a government platform where agencies buy ICT and digital services from pre-approved suppliers, including cloud, consulting and digital specialists.
• Council and agency websites, for smaller local purchases.

The rules

Central government agencies follow the Government Procurement Rules, published by New Zealand Government Procurement (part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment). They set when contracts must be openly advertised, the minimum time bidders get, and the principles of fairness and value. The rules also promote broader outcomes, such as supporting New Zealand businesses, Māori businesses, skills and environmental goals. Many other public bodies follow the rules voluntarily or in part.

All-of-government contracts

Many common ICT purchases, such as devices, telecommunications, cloud and consulting, are made through all-of-government or syndicated contracts. If your service fits one, getting on it at its next refresh opens many agencies at once.

Security and data

• The New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM), from the Government Communications Security Bureau, sets security standards for government systems.
• Agencies complete security and privacy assessments before using cloud services, under the government's cloud guidance.
• Some agencies require data held in New Zealand or Australia.

Māori and Pacific businesses

Agencies have targets to increase contracts with Māori businesses, and buyers often value partnerships with Māori and Pacific firms as part of broader outcomes.

Overseas firms

New Zealand is a party to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement and trade deals including CPTPP, which open many contracts to foreign suppliers. Australian and Canadian firms often bid successfully. Practical tips:

• Get a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) if you set up locally.
• Understand New Zealand English and terminology, such as "request for proposal" and "request for tender" both being common.
• Plan for time zones in clarification and presentation stages.

See also selling IT to government in Australia.

Common questions

Where are New Zealand government tenders published?

Mostly on GETS, the Government Electronic Tender Service. ICT services are also bought through Marketplace and all-of-government contracts.

Can foreign companies bid on New Zealand government tenders?

Usually yes. Trade agreements and the Government Procurement Rules generally allow foreign suppliers, though some contracts have local requirements.

What are broader outcomes in New Zealand procurement?

They're the wider social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits that agencies consider when buying, such as jobs, skills, Māori business participation and emissions reduction.