What if a simple shift in the way we handle invoices could save businesses and government agencies millions and streamline entire financial systems? On February 13, 2025, an exclusive breakfast event at The Wellington Club brought together government leaders, experts, and key stakeholders to explore how New Zealand is embracing the transformative power of eInvoicing.
The event highlighted the benefits of eInvoicing and provided attendees with practical insights into its implementation, compliance requirements, and future growth. The session featured a series of expert talks, including presentations from Alan Carnaby, Manager of eInvoicing Adoption at MBIE, and Robin Sands, CEO of Link4, along with a Q&A session with Mark Wierzbicki from Wellington City Council. The discussion revolved around key principles, concepts, and government expectations regarding eInvoicing, as well as actionable steps to get agencies and businesses live on the network.
Hon. Chris Penk, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, also kicked off the event with a short video, reinforcing the importance of eInvoicing for New Zealand’s business landscape and its potential for boosting economic efficiency.
Key Takeaways from the Event
Alan Carnaby provided valuable insights into the government’s efforts to drive eInvoicing adoption across New Zealand, sharing updates on policy and advice on effective implementation for government agencies. His talk emphasized the importance of aligning with government standards to ensure compliance and maximize the benefits of eInvoicing. He also discussed the government’s plan for a phased approach, encouraging agencies to start the implementation process early in order to stay ahead of the compliance timeline.
Mark Wierzbicki, who shared his experience with eInvoicing, provided an inside look into the challenges and successes of adopting this technology within local government. His candid reflections on the barriers to adoption, including resource allocation and system integration, sparked engaging discussions among attendees. Wierzbicki also shared best practices for overcoming hurdles, such as early staff training and leveraging external expertise, to ensure a smooth transition to eInvoicing.
Robin Sands, CEO of Link4, spoke on the practical benefits and real-world implementation of eInvoicing, offering examples from businesses in New Zealand that have already successfully embraced the technology. “It was pleasing to see Government Agencies in New Zealand are actively working on their eInvoicing plans so they can be live before the end of the year,” said Sands. His comments underscored the importance of getting eInvoicing up and running in a timely manner to meet compliance and efficiency goals. Additionally, Sands highlighted the role of digital transformation in creating a more efficient, sustainable, and transparent government.
Alistair Weddell, New Zealand Manager at Link4, also shared his thoughts on the enthusiasm surrounding eInvoicing adoption: “As a new member of the Link4 team, it was great to see how passionate existing users of eInvoicing technology are about the benefits of growing the network for all types of organisations.” His quote highlighted the growing momentum and collaborative spirit within the industry, as businesses and government departments work together to expand the reach of eInvoicing across the country. Alistair emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to build a robust eInvoicing ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders involved.
A Clear Path Forward
The Bites & Insights event left no doubt—eInvoicing is more than a passing trend; it’s the cornerstone of New Zealand’s digital transformation. With the government pushing for wider adoption and compliance, both the public and private sectors are on the cusp of a major leap forward. eInvoicing isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about driving efficiency, cutting costs, and fostering a more sustainable future. As businesses and government agencies look toward a digital-first economy, embracing eInvoicing will be key to modernizing financial systems, reducing paper waste, and boosting transparency in every transaction.
But it wasn’t all just talk. The event sparked meaningful conversations that showed how eInvoicing could reshape the way New Zealand does business—creating smoother operations, reducing administrative burdens, and strengthening the economy. It was clear: this is a game-changer, and the excitement in the room was palpable.
For anyone considering implementing eInvoicing, the event was a treasure trove of expert advice and real-world insights. From navigating the initial setup to overcoming common hurdles, the speakers gave attendees actionable steps they could take to get started. Yes, it requires planning, resources, and collaboration—but the payoff is immense. The future of invoicing is here, and it’s a future that’s efficient, transparent, and sustainable.
In conclusion, the Bites & Insights event marked a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s journey toward revolutionizing financial systems through eInvoicing. With unwavering government support and an expanding network of adopters, the future looks bright for a streamlined, cost-effective, and sustainable invoicing ecosystem.
The event wasn’t just a conversation—it was a catalyst for action. By sharing invaluable insights and real-world experiences, industry leaders like Alan Carnaby, Mark Wierzbicki, and Robin Sands are guiding the way for both businesses and government agencies. This collaboration is paving the path to a digital-first, transparent financial landscape in New Zealand, setting the stage for a seamless, forward-thinking approach to invoicing.
New Zealand is not just keeping up with the times; it’s leading the charge. As eInvoicing continues to take root, it’s clear that the country is well on its way to becoming a global leader in public sector digital transformation. The future of invoicing is here, and it’s just beginning.
Free eInvoicing consultation via: https://link4.co/nz/
Media Contact Link4:
Kithmini Kuruppuarachchi – Marketing Manager
[email protected]
Find out more about eInvoicing
- Government eInvoicing: What You Need to Know Moving Forward
- Transforming Transactions: Expert Perspectives on the eInvoicing Journey
- eInvoicing in New Zealand: The Future of Business Transactions by 2025
- Increased eInvoicing Adoption Set to Simplify Cross-Border Transactions
- eInvoicing Made Simple with Clear Benefits for Everyone
Footnote: In this article, “eInvoicing” and “e-invoicing” are used interchangeably to refer to electronic invoicing.
