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We play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the integrity of the revenue system by making it clear, consistent and simple. We're accountable to the Minister of Revenue.

We work with many others who help manage and run the revenue system. We also work with others to enhance New Zealanders’ wellbeing, and in the digital ‘ecosystem’ and international tax networks.


We advise the Government on the tax policy and the social policies that we administer. We work with other agencies to help deliver inter-generational wellbeing and positive outcomes for all New Zealanders.

This includes meeting our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and delivering on our role as part of the Māori-Crown relationship.


We provide assurance that the systems for tax and social policy payments:

  • are effective and efficient to deliver on the policy intent
  • are operating as intended
  • are achieving intended outcomes
  • remain fit for purpose.

We work with many other parties that help manage and run the revenue system, such as tax agents, KiwiSaver providers and financial institutions.

Employers play a huge part - they provide employment income information every pay day.

We’re part of a wider digital ‘ecosystem’ that includes an increasing number of service providers, such as business and payroll software companies.


We advise the Government on international tax issues and help develop and implement New Zealand’s international tax legislation. We work with groups such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and other countries’ tax agencies.

We exchange financial account information with more than 80 jurisdictions.


We administer a number of social policy programmes, such as student loans and child support obligations, and a number of COVID-19 initiatives.

We administer KiwiSaver. We make payments for Working for Families, parental leave and Best Start.

We work closely with a wide range of agencies, particularly the Treasury, Ministry of Social Development and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

We have information-sharing arrangements with more than 17 agencies.

Last updated: 01 Nov 2021
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