October Newsletter

We're calling for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from Aotearoa New Zealand Digital Service Providers (DSPs) who would like to participate in the Digital Advisory Group (known as the DAG) in 2026. The DAG is a representative advisory group providing support and perspective from DSPs to Inland Revenue and other government agencies tasked with the smooth operation and ongoing digital transformation of the tax and social policy ecosystem. 

EOIs close at 5pm NZDT on Friday 21 November. Applications will be notified about the outcome of their EOI by Friday 28 November.

Over the past month, we've been attending the following working groups and meetings representing DSPs:

• Payday Super Working Group
• ATO Strategic Working Group
• Digital Advisory Group Payroll Working Group
• Digital Advisory Group

The ATO is calling for expressions of interest (EOIs) from Australian DSPs who are passionate about shaping the future of tax and superannuation administration in a digital world. Learn more about the DSP Strategic Working Group (SWG) which is a key forum for collaboration between the ATO and digital service providers. 

As a member of the SWG, you'll work with key ATO Stakeholders to explore emerging opportunities and risks, contribute to strategic discussions, and help influence the direction of Australian digital tax and super services. 

EOI closes Friday 14 November. 

Submit your EOI via the DSP service desk or by emailing the group Secretariat. 

New Government Procurement Rules in New Zealand have been made where government agencies are required to, from 1 January 2027, ensure large suppliers send eInvoices. Additionally, government agencies must make sure suppliers pay subcontractors on terms at least as good as those they get from the government. If your customers trade with government, these changes mean they will need to know about eInvoicing. Customer demand for eInvoicing capable software will increase across New Zealand. 

MBIE's eInvoicing team are offering large businesses a webinar on Wednesday 19 November. Feel free to encourage your clients to register for the webinar. 

These changes will help drive the adoption of eInvoicing to improve cashflow, encourage fair payment practices, and cut down on lost or fraudulent invoices. Learn more about the new Government Procurement rules. 

The Government has now made regulations that designate the banking sector under the Customer and Product Data Act 2025 and set out additional requirements for data holders and data requestors:

• Customer and Product Data (Designation of Banking and Other Deposit Takers) Regulations 2025
• Customer and Product Data (General Requirements) Regulations 2025.

The regulations prohibit banks from charging accredited requestors for requests made under the Act, a shift from Cabinet's earlier decisions to cap the amount that banks could charge and aligning with the UK and Australia's approaches. The Government has also agreed to the level of fees and levies that MBIE will charge banks and accredited requestors to recover the costs of the regime. More information about the fee and levy amounts are available on MBIE's website. 

The ASD's ACSC has released its Annual Cyber Threat Report 2024-25, revealing another increase in cyber incidents across Australia. The ACSC responded to over 1,200 cyber security incidents (up 11%) are received more than 84,700 cybercrime reports through ReportCyber. The report highlights that both state-sponsored actors and cybercriminals continue to target Australian networks, critical infrastructure and businesses. Continue reading in the Annual Cyber Threat Report 2024-25. 

The Department of Home Affairs has developed voluntary guidance for app store operators and app developers in Australia that aligns with international best practice, including the UK's own Code of Practice. The Australian Code of Practice is part of the Government's commitment to ensuring Australians can trust that their digital products are safe, secure and fit-for-purpose. Learn more and access the Australian Code of Practice on the Department of Home Affairs' website. 

The ATO has released its Vulnerability Framework, a principle-based guide to improve how they support people experiencing vulnerability when engaging with the tax and super systems. The Framework will shape how the ATO develops policies, processes and staff capability, supporting more inclusive and consistent interactions with the community over time. The Framework also outlines how the ATO will design and deliver services and support with empathy, transparency, and compassion. Read the Vulnerability Framework on the ATO's website. 

The ATO has shared the key risk areas they're focusing on for privately owned and wealthy groups in 2025-26 to help with understanding their tax obligations and mitigate risks when managing their tax affairs, including key aspects of GST. Sharing information on these key risk areas forms part of the ATO's ongoing commitment to providing transparency on its compliance priorities based on intelligence collection and case work. Read more on the ATO's website.