New Zealand Business Number

What is an NZBN?

NZBN is a universal identifier which enables businesses to easily update, share key information and interact with each other. NZBN has been introduced to streamline all essential business information, and over time will become the only number businesses will need to use to interact with a range of other businesses and government agencies. Eventually it will replace other numbers and each entity will only need to use their NZBN as their main identifier.

Search for a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN)

You can find any company’s NZBN by searching for the company on www.companies.govt.nz, and looking at the company details page. Companies Register users can use their NZBN interchangeably with their company number when searching or contacting our contact centre. New companies are allocated a NZBN at the time of incorporation.

Not a registered company?

In 2017, all businesses in New Zealand will be able to have NZBNs. Companies registered in New Zealand have already been allocated NZBNs.

Benefits to businesses

Businesses will be able to update their core information, known as primary business data, in one place and it will automatically update on other databases, especially business partners and government agencies. The data and ways to access it will evolve over time, enabling businesses to spend more time growing their business, and less effort on administration. Read more about the NZBN.

Government agencies will use NZBN to improve data quality and reduce duplication

Government agencies will progressively recognise businesses by their NZBN. By 2017, government aims to reduce the cost of interacting with it by 25 percent as part of its Better for Business programme. The ability to link information between government agencies and businesses will also lead to improved data quality and reduced rework for government agencies. Key agencies working regularly with businesses will be the first to recognise NZBN, including the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Inland Revenue, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Callaghan Innovation and Statistics New Zealand.

More information about NZBN - www.nzbn.govt.nz