Tender Opportunities in New Zealand

Public Procurement in New Zealand

New Zealand operates a principles-based procurement system focused on achieving public value for money while supporting broader government objectives. The Government Procurement Rules, issued by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), apply to all government agencies and set minimum standards for fair and transparent purchasing.

New Zealand's public sector spends approximately NZ$51 billion annually on goods, services, and works. The system emphasises open competition, supplier access, and increasingly, the achievement of "Broader Outcomes" including sustainability, Maori business development, and improved conditions for New Zealand workers.

Procurement Thresholds

The Government Procurement Rules establish thresholds that trigger specific advertising and process requirements:

• Rule 14 (Open Advertising): Contracts valued at NZ$100,000 or above must be publicly advertised on GETS
• International Agreements: Above NZ$522,000 for goods/services or NZ$10 million for construction, WTO Government Procurement Agreement rules apply
• Below Threshold: Agencies encouraged to advertise smaller opportunities to support competition

The rules permit closed (invited) tenders only in specific circumstances, such as genuine urgency or when open tendering has previously failed.

Key Government Procurement Bodies

Where to Find New Zealand Tender Opportunities

The Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) at www.gets.govt.nz is New Zealand's central portal for government tenders. All agencies subject to the Government Procurement Rules must publish opportunities above threshold on GETS. The platform is free to use, offers email notifications, and allows electronic submission of responses.

Additional sources for New Zealand procurement opportunities include:

• TenderLink: Commercial platform used by some councils and organisations
• Council websites: Individual local authorities often publish on their own sites
• Syndicated contracts: All-of-government and collaborative contracts accessible through NZ Government Procurement
• Crown entity portals: Some organisations maintain separate procurement pages

International Organisations in New Zealand

New Zealand's position in the Pacific makes it a hub for regional development organisations. The Asian Development Bank funds projects throughout the Pacific Islands with procurement often managed through New Zealand. The Pacific Islands Forum and other regional bodies regularly engage suppliers for development programmes across Oceania.

Tips for Winning New Zealand Tenders

New Zealand procurement uses weighted attribute evaluation, considering price alongside quality, capability, and increasingly, Broader Outcomes. Understanding these priorities strengthens competitive positioning.

• Register on GETS: Create a supplier profile and set up alerts for UNSPSC categories relevant to your business
• Consider panel agreements: All-of-government contracts provide ongoing access to public sector work
• Address Broader Outcomes: Demonstrate how your tender supports employment, sustainability, and Maori business development
• Understand evaluation methodology: Read tender documents carefully—weighted attributes vary between procurements
• Build capability: MBIE offers free training and resources for suppliers new to government tendering
• Start with subcontracting: Partner with established suppliers to gain experience in government delivery