Public procurement market
The participation of foreign entities in government contracts is in principle possible. However, direct participation is quite complicated for the Czech supplier. In this case, an important article in the bidding process is your own representation, local representative, authorized engineering firm, etc.
In August 2016, New Zealand acceded to the international Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) within the framework of the WTO. Foreign companies can also apply for New Zealand public contracts.
All tenders in New Zealand can be found on the website: www.tenders.net.nz, where you can register for free and get detailed information.
Ways of resolving commercial disputes, risks of the local market and investing in the territory, usual payment terms, payment ethics
Payment transactions in business relationships take place exclusively at the level of business entities. GK Sydney has no known cases of judicially enforced claims. In business circles, it is customary to unconditionally fulfill all contractual conditions, including payments.
The most used payment instrument is a bank letter of credit. Payment morale is very good.
Local customs important for business contacts, official and spoken language(s), public holidays, working and sales hours
Local customs:
Social and business relations are determined by British customs, which are mainly determined by European or British origin of the population. A very good knowledge of the English language and general realities of the area is assumed. The Czech sales representative is accepted on an equal level and without prejudice. Calling by first name is usual. During the first personal contact, a foreigner is often surprised by the specific pronunciation of the English language.
In spite of the informal way of life and the friendly course of business negotiations, business attire (dark suit) is required in official interactions.
The main features of business negotiations are punctuality, concreteness, directness and fulfillment of agreed conclusions, which are usually confirmed in writing. Business meetings must be arranged by phone in advance, preferably between 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Fridays no later than 3:30 p.m.
New Zealand partners are known for their solidity. New Zealand is a country with virtually no corruption. They also suffer from fast telecommunications, so inflexibility, delayed reactions or non-fulfillment of promises can lead to a loss of trust and the contract.
A visitor to NZ is often confronted with Maori culture and it is recommended to get familiar with the issues of the Maori population. Basic knowledge of the issue is also an advantage in business negotiations. Visit Calculatorinc for more information about New Zealand culture and traditions.
Public Holidays:
- New Year: January 1 and 2
- Waitangi Day (NZ public holiday): 6 February
- Good Friday: March 25 (moving date)
- Easter Monday: March 28 (moving date)
- ANZAC Day: 25 April
- Queen’s Birthday: June 10
- Labor Day: October 27 (fourth Monday in October)
- Christmas Day: December 25
- Boxing Day (2nd day of Christmas): 26 December
Local holidays are celebrated in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.
Working and sales hours:
Basic working hours are 8:30 (9:00) – 17:00.
- Banks: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Shops: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday/Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (note: some shops are open 7 days a week, supermarkets in big cities are open until 9:00 p.m.).
- Post office: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Restaurant: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Visas, fees, specific conditions for traveling to the territory (areas with increased risk for foreigners)
Due to the COVID pandemic, it is not possible to travel to New Zealand (as of 5/5/2020) with the exception of New Zealand citizens and permanent residence permit holders. We recommend monitoring the situation on the New Zealand Immigration website. The information below is generally valid information that does not take into account extraordinary measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To travel to New Zealand, you need a passport of the Czech Republic valid for 3 months longer than the period of stay in New Zealand. Czech citizens can stay in New Zealand for the purpose of tourism for 90 days without a visa . With effect from 1 October 2019 , it is mandatory for passengers who fall under the visa-free regime for short-term stays (i.e. including citizens of the Czech Republic) to secure the so-calledNew Zealand Electronic Travel Authority – NZeTA). This is an electronic screening of persons entering the territory of New Zealand with the aim of strengthening security and minimizing migration risk. Screening of persons in the NZeTA system should also ensure smoother check-in of persons at international airports.
NZeTA can only be secured electronically, via a special application or on the website www.immigration.govt.nz/neta. Processing of the NZeTA application should be ensured within 72 hours.
The NZeTA will allow the holder RE-ENTRY TO NEW ZEALAND FOR TWO YEARS.
The fee for securing NZeTA is NZD 9 for submitting an application via the mobile application and NZD 12 for submitting an application via the internet. The application for NZeTA also includes a fee for the so-called International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which amounts to 35 NZD. Fees for IVL will be used to improve the quality of tourism services and at the same time contribute to ensuring environmental protection.
In connection with cases of refusal of entry of citizens of the Czech Republic to the territory of New Zealand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic draws attention to the fact that the existence of a visa-free agreement is not a guarantee of automatic permission to enter New Zealand.
With effect from November 2019, the New Zealand authorities are switching to eVisas, i.e. issuing electronic visas without affixing a sticker to travel documents . For all applications that are submitted online, successful applicants will only be sent electronic visa grant information. Authorities who need to verify that a person has been granted a visa can do so electronically (see https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/our-online-systems/visaview). Visa and application information for visa applicants can be obtained through the Visa Verification Service: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/our-online-systems/visa-verification-service.
If a Czech tourist wants to stay in New Zealand for more than 3 months, he applies for a Visitors Visa at the New Zealand embassy in Berlin (see www.mfat.govt.nz for more information ). The New Zealand Department of Immigration can apply for an extension of stay in New Zealand. See www.immigration.govt.nz for more information.
Neither a visa-free stay nor a tourist visa entitles you to work. Registration of tourists arriving in New Zealand takes place after arrival. An Immigration Department official registers visitors after completing a New Zealand Arrival Card form, in which each visitor states, in addition to personal information, the place of residence in New Zealand and the expected length of stay.
On 11 October 2004, the Working Holiday Scheme Agreement between the Czech Republic and New Zealand was signed in Prague. New Zealand has implemented the agreement in question since March 1, 2005. The agreement gives 1,200 Czech citizens aged 18-35 the opportunity to obtain a visa each year, which entitles them to work and stay in New Zealand for a period of up to 12 months, provided they meet the terms of the agreement and the immigration conditions of the New Zealand Zealand. Czechs interested in staying in New Zealand within the framework of this agreement can apply for the relevant visa at the branch of the New Zealand Immigration Service, which is located at the New Zealand Embassy in London. More detailed information about the aforementioned agreement can be found at www.immigration.govt.nz.
Since March 2014, a new type of visa, the so-called Entrepreneur Work Visa, has been valid, which replaced the Long term business visa, and is intended to attract more entrepreneurs to New Zealand. The applicant must have capital of at least 100,000. NZD and no bankruptcy in the past five years. More information: www.immigration.govt.nz.
Drive on the left in road traffic. It is necessary to draw attention to the relatively high accident rate in automobile transport and the high proportion of foreigners in accidents. In order to drive a motor vehicle in the territory of New Zealand, an international driver’s license is valid during a tourist stay. There are no tolls in New Zealand due to the lack of motorways.
The use of all types of bank cards is widespread. Without a credit card, it is often not possible to make a telephone reservation for hotel accommodation or renting a car from a rental company.
Conditions for employment of citizens from the Czech Republic
- Basic information about employment and jobs is available at http://newzealand.govt.nz
- Information on employment opportunities for immigrants www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant
- Information for those interested in temporary employment www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant
- Study and work www.immigration.govt.nz, www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant
- Working holidays for young people aged 18 to 35 www.immigration.govt.nz
Conditions for the use of local health care by Czech and EU citizens
New Zealand is not one of the health risk territories. No vaccination is required to enter the country. Increased protection of the skin and eyes from intense sunlight is recommended. Health care in New Zealand is at a very good level, but the prices of medical services (especially for hospitalization or dental treatment) are high. It is absolutely necessary to conclude an insurance contract in the Czech Republic for the trip and the period of stay abroad. However, in the event of an accident, a Czech citizen, like any foreigner, is covered by New Zealand general accident insurance based on the Accident Compensation Scheme provided by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). By law, ACC insurance also allows foreign visitors to the country to pay for medical treatment in the event of an accident – regardless of where and how the injury occurred. However, the foreigner is not entitled to a refund of e.g. lost earnings, etc.
