How to Win NZ Government Contracts Under $100,000: A Supplier’s Guide to GETS
The 5th Edition of the New Zealand Government Procurement Rules, which took effect on December 1st, 2025, changes how government agencies buy goods and services. Under the updated Rule 8, agencies must award contracts valued under $100,000 to capable New Zealand businesses.
This guide explains how to set up your GETS account, choose the right codes, and position your business to win these contracts.
The procurement rule change means government buyers must actively search for local NZ suppliers. They use the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) to find them. To win this work, you must register on GETS and configure your profile to prove the capability of your business or organisation.
1. Register with Your NZBN to Prove Local Status
To register as a supplier, visit gets.govt.nz and log in using your RealMe account. If you do not have an account, create one on the RealMe website first.
Once you log in, select the "Create new supplier" option. The system asks for your New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) or your registered company name. Always enter your NZBN. This search automatically pulls your company data from the Companies Office Register and links it to your profile. This link instantly proves that you run a New Zealand business, which satisfies the local requirement under Rule 8.
2. Write a Clear Capability Description
GETS requires you to write a capability description during setup. Many businesses write generic sales pitches. Avoid this mistake. Government buyers scan these descriptions to find specific skills and capabilities quickly.
Best practice is to write a direct, bullet point summary of your services, staff numbers, and technical capabilities. State clearly that you operate and employ staff in New Zealand. Highlight your local credentials, such as a "Buy NZ Made" membership, to help procurement officers verify your local status.
3. Choose the Right UNSPSC Codes for Automated Alerts
GETS uses the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) system to classify all tenders. These codes dictate which contract notifications the system emails to you. If you select the wrong codes, you will miss out on relevant opportunities.
During your profile setup, navigate to the "Tender Watch Codes" or "Categories" section. It is best to not select broad categories - but drill down into the sub-categories that match your exact services. For example, if you offer IT support, select the specific codes for software maintenance, helpdesk support, and network administration.
4. Join Pae Hokohoko (The New Zealand Government Marketplace)
While GETS handles individual, scheduled tenders, government agencies use Pae Hokohoko (The Government Marketplace) to buy common services directly. This platform acts as an open catalog for cloud services, enterprise software, managed services, and professional consultancy.
If you offer IT, software, or advisory services, you must register on the Marketplace to access direct buying channels. Once the Marketplace approves your application, agencies can purchase your services directly from the catalog, bypassing the lengthy GETS bidding process entirely.
To register as a supplier on the Government Marketplace, you must meet several key requirements:
- Agree to the Collaborative Agreement: You must sign the standard Collaborative Marketplace Agreement terms. This pre-agreed contract removes the need to negotiate legal terms for individual government sales.
- Prove Financial Viability: Submit a signed statement of financial viability and demonstrate appropriate business insurance.
- Select Your Catalogues: Apply for specific service categories (such as Enterprise Software, Managed Services, or Consultancy). You must submit a separate application for each distinct catalog.
- Provide Security Information: Complete the Service Provider Cloud Questionnaire and demonstrate that your services meet government security standards.
5. Prepare Your Profile for Rule 8 Evaluation
Even for contracts under $100,000, government buyers must justify their spending decisions. They look for suppliers who deliver "public value" through local economic benefits.
Ensure your company profile and responses clearly outline these four factors:
- Local Employment: State the number of full-time staff you employ in New Zealand.
- Skills Development: Mention if you provide local training, apprenticeships, or professional development.
- Domestic Supply Chain: Explain if you buy materials from regional New Zealand businesses or use local subcontractors.
- Tax Contribution: Confirm that you pay company taxes in New Zealand.
6. Next Steps
Registering on these platforms positions your business in front of government buyers who must buy local. Go to gets.govt.nz to create your free account, and visit marketplace.govt.nz to apply for your relevant service catalogues today.