Advice for large businesses and government
The New Zealand Government is committed to delivering eInvoicing.
On this page
With over 280 million business to business invoices exchanged in New Zealand annually, savings to our economy through eInvoicing are estimated to be $4.4 billion over 10 years.
In June 2021 Central Government agencies were set eInvoicing implementation and eInvoice volume targets:
- All Central Government agencies to be eInvoicing ‘receive’ capable by 31 March 2022.
- 90% of business to Central Government invoices are einvoices by July 2026.
Wider Government is also encouraged to adopt and use eInvoicing.
Benefits
Adopting eInvoicing across all levels of government and large businesses is good for the economy and helps support faster payments to small businesses. As government and large businesses are mainly receivers of large volumes of invoices, significant savings can be realised through reduced processing costs. It can also reduce administrative delays and payment issues. Faster payments and more streamlined processing for your goods and services suppliers can improve trading relationships.
Getting started
Here are the main steps to getting started with eInvoicing:
Step 1
Talk to the software provider of your accounts payable system to see if your system is eInvoicing capable or planning to be.
Other options to consider:
- Repurchase: Replace your invoice processing system with one that is eInvoice capable.
- Rebuild: Rebuild your current system to one that is eInvoice capable, or alternatively upgrade to a version that is eInvoice capable.
- Retire: If you have multiple invoicing systems, consider consolidating and moving to one eInvoice capable system.
- Retain: Keep your current invoicing system and compliment it with an add-on which is eInvoice capable.
Step 2
Determine how you’ll access the eInvoicing network. See the register for:
- a software provider for an eInvoice enabled system – they will work with an access point provider on your behalf OR
- an accredited access point provider to integrate eInvoicing directly into your chosen system and connect directly to the Peppol network. An open syndicated agreement with a panel of access point providers is available for all of Government only to use. This will simplify and shorten the procurement process for wider government agencies to secure a provider.
eInvoicing enabled software providers
Accredited Access Point Providers
PEPPOL capabilities and associated services(external link) — New Zealand Government Procurement
Step 3
Implement eInvoicing, encourage your suppliers to send eInvoices, and start gaining benefits.
Top tip: Make sure you get your buyers’ NZBN numbers (or organisation part numbers), as it’s the globally unique identifier that ensure your invoices go to the right buyer.
Your suppliers will also want your NZBN number for the same reason. If you don’t already have an NZBN it’s easy to register for one.
Top tip: Engage and on-board your suppliers. The more suppliers you have sending you eInvoices, the more you’ll benefit from the speed, accuracy, and savings.
Do this as soon as you start your own implementation.
eInvoicing communication toolkit: Getting your suppliers ready for eInvoicing [DOCX, 323 KB]
Cost to implement eInvoicing
The set up and ongoing costs of eInvoicing may be smaller than you may think. The costs will vary depending on your finance system, security requirements and related bespoke applications, as well as the volume of invoices you send and receive.
Implementation costs may range from $3,000 to $20,000. This excludes any internal effort to implement the solution. Medium to large organisations tend to have more complex environments and are expected to require more effort and cost to implement, but should also achieve higher overall benefits.
Resources
Business case guidance [DOCX, 1.8 MB]
Guide for using eInvoicing capable badge [PDF, 481 KB]
Download eInvoicing capable badge for email signature [PNG, 78 KB]
![Download eInvoicing capable badge for email signature [PNG, 78 KB]](/assets/Images/e-Invoicing/einvoicing-capable-badge-700x235.png){kind=link}
Government agencies' New Zealand Business Numbers and eInvoicing status
Invoice reference requirements for central government agencies – December 2023 [PDF, 113 KB]
List of NZ businesses registered to receive eInvoices (with matching instructions; updated monthly)
Large business and government organisation decision chart [PDF, 37 KB]
eInvoicing enabled software providers
eInvoicing communication toolkit: Getting your suppliers ready for eInvoicing [DOCX, 323 KB]
Supplier readiness checklist [DOCX, 93 KB]
Government open syndicated agreement: PEPPOL capabilities and associated services(external link) — New Zealand Government Procurement
Searching New Zealand entities registered on the eInvoicing (Peppol) network
Watch: eInvoicing fireside chat (Bunnings)(external link) — Australian Tax Office
Watch: eInvoicing fireside chat (BOC Gas)(external link) — Australian Tax Office
Sign up, to stay ahead
If you’re a business owner, accountant, business advisor or manager – or you just want to stay in front of the eInvoicing curve – sign up here for email updates, seminar/webinar invitations, and tips to get maximum value from eInvoicing.