National has promised to cut compliance costs for small businesses with a 47-point plan that includes a review of the GST registration threshold and a "Tell Government Once" service.
The party unveiled its Small Business Plan today, saying the measures would make it easier for firms to invest, grow and take on staff.
The Tell Government Once service would be built around the New Zealand Business Number and draw on existing government systems, including Inland Revenue, ACC, the Companies Office and licensing bodies.
National also wants a fast track for straightforward disputes at the Employment Relations Authority. It plans to rewrite priority health and safety codes in "plain English", with practical examples for small businesses.
The party would review the compulsory GST registration threshold, currently set at $60,000.
Other promises include intensive support for the next 200 high-potential exporters and a standard recurring seasonal agreement with a shorter renewal process, aimed at making seasonal hiring easier.
National, Labour and the Greens out in retail precincts to sway the undecided, talking big on business and banks. (Source: 1News)
National has also pledged to keep the investment boost, a tax incentive introduced in Budget 2025 that Labour has proposed scrapping.
National's small business spokesperson Cameron Brewer said the party would back small businesses to succeed.
"We want the sole trader to feel confident taking on an apprentice, the café owner to open a second premises, and the local manufacturer to win their first overseas order," he said.
"When small businesses can invest, employ and grow, the benefits flow to their communities, with more jobs and more opportunities to get ahead."
Fiscal plan due Monday
National leader Christopher Luxon told reporters the party would release its fiscal plan on Monday, and that it would closely follow the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update (PREFU).
He said National had to account for new spending and savings, including the $605 million for Pharmac medicines the party announced yesterday.
"As a result, we had a few more spending and also some savings initiatives that we've got to get reflected in that fiscal plan," Luxon said.
"But it won't surprise you - very aligned with PREFU and certainly aligned with our fiscal rules, which I'm really proud about."
National's finance spokesperson Nicola Willis said the plan would show a "credible return to surplus with no new taxes".
Before outlining the policy, Brewer turned to Luxon and praised his record of visiting small businesses, claiming no sitting PM had been to as many.
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