Government leads the way on e-invoicing paving the way for an integrated digital economy

E-invoicing is giving a major boost to New Zealand’s digital transformation journey, with significant steps towards standardisation and adoption that promise to revolutionise business and government operations.

The adoption of the Peppol PINT A-NZ e-invoicing standard, effective from November 15, 2024, marked a pivotal shift. This standard, an extension of Peppol BIS 3.0, enhances interoperability by accommodating country-specific requirements while supporting seamless cross-border transactions.

Sam Hassan, CTO at Link4, highlights the transformative potential of PINT A-NZ. “Peppol framework is heading towards becoming the global eInvoicing delivery network for many countries by simplifying and enhancing cross-border operability, allowing businesses to compete more effectively in global markets,” says Hassan.

A phased rollout will fully replace the existing ANZ specifications by May 2025, giving businesses time to adapt. Companies like Link4 are already prepared, ensuring smooth integration for users of ERP systems such as TechnologyOne and NetSuite​.

The New Zealand Government’s directive mandating e-invoicing for agencies processing over 2,000 domestic invoices annually by January 2026 represents another stride in this evolution.

John Delaney, Managing Director of MessageXchange, views this as crucial for streamlining processes.

“The new e-invoicing mandate is an important step in New Zealand’s digital transformation journey… Intuitive and secure e-invoicing options empower agencies to focus on their core operations while achieving compliance efficiently.”

MessageXchange has developed tailored solutions, such as eInvoicing Connect, for rapid compliance with minimal setup, and eInvoicing Gateway, for agencies with complex invoicing needs​.

With 97 percent of New Zealand’s businesses being small enterprises, faster invoice processing is essential.

“The 33 central government agencies send and receive 1.6 million invoices annually, with the total number for all 135 government agencies likely many more millions. Prompt payment is especially important for small businesses which have limited cash reserves – an unpaid or late invoice can be the difference between being able to pay staff on time or not,” says Andrew Bayly, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister.

The directive’s promise to reduce payment cycles to five business days, compared to the current 10-day target, is a game-changer for businesses reliant on timely cash flow.

Bayly stresses the importance of this efficiency. “Prompt payment is especially important for small businesses which have limited cash reserves – an unpaid or late invoice can be the difference between being able to pay staff on time or not.”

Peppol’s secure and interoperable network ensures that e-invoicing aligns with international best practices. Robin Sands, CEO of Link4 New Zealand, calls it a leap forward.

“This sends a strong message about the future of invoicing – a future where faster payments, efficiency, and accuracy are paramount.”

By reducing the risk of fraud, improving payment transparency, and eliminating manual errors, Peppol e-invoicing is enhancing productivity across both the public and private sectors​.

“Peppol e-invoicing offers a standard that enhances reliability and interoperability, making it a vital asset in New Zealand’s drive for operational efficiency,” adds Sands.

As the January 2026 deadline approaches, businesses and agencies are urged to act now to reap the benefits of e-invoicing. Early adopters will not only achieve compliance but also position themselves to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

E-invoicing isn’t just a mandate; it’s a transformative opportunity for New Zealand to lead in modern payment practices, setting a precedent for efficiency and innovation.