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What is an NZBN, and Does Your Business Need One?

If you're running a business in New Zealand, you've probably heard of an NZBN (New Zealand Business Number). But what exactly is it, and do you need one?The good news is that an NZBN is free, easy to obtain, and can make doing business much simpler.What is an NZBN?An NZBN is a unique 13-digit number that identifies your business. Think of it as your business's official ID.It allows other businesses, suppliers, customers, and government agencies to identify your business and access your publicly ...

NZQBA Bookkeeper of the Year 2025 & VANNZ Community Contributor Award

Last year, Virtual Mel was honoured to receive two industry awards that reflect not only professional achievement, but the values that sit at the heart of the business - integrity, excellence, and community.While these awards were announced in September and October, we wanted to take a moment to properly reflect on what they represent and why they matter to the New Zealand businesses and professionals we support every day....

Key KiwiSaver Changes You Need to Know for 2026

A new year often brings changes, and KiwiSaver is no exception in 2026. From 1 April 2026, one of the biggest KiwiSaver updates in years comes into effect and it will impact both employees and employers.Whether you’re on wages, running a business, or doing both, here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changing, what it means for you, and what you should check now so there are no surprises later. The Big KiwiSaver Change From April 2026 Minimum contribution rates increase to 3.5%From 1 April 20...

What Business Expenses Can I Claim?

Knowing what you can and can’t claim as a business expense can be confusing, especially for sole traders, contractors, and home-based businesses. To help, we’ve put together a list of the most commonly missed tax-deductible expenses so you can maximize your claims and reduce your tax bill.1. Vehicle Expenses If you use your vehicle for business, you can claim:✔️ Petrol✔️ Repairs & maintenance✔️ WOF & registration✔️ Parking fees💡 Personal Use Adjustment: If you...