Guide helps exporters avoid pitfalls in Australia

Small businesses looking to export to Australia may benefit from a new online guide.

Exporting to Australia, produced by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, is intended to help existing and would-be exporters avoid pitfalls and capitalise on New Zealand's closest offshore market.

The free guide gives an overview of the export planning processes and an introduction to Australia's business environment and regulatory system.

Trade and Enterprises' trade commissioner in Sydney, Catherine Dunkerley, said many New Zealand exporters regarded Australia as an easy market.

They they often suffered a rude and expensive awakening.

"It's easy to make the mistake of considering Australia to be a big version of New Zealand, but there are significant differences in the way things are run in Australia and it can be a very tough business environment.

"Superannuation, state and federal business legislation, unionised employment - these are all stringent and costly business regulations New Zealand companies must adhere to in Australia that simply don't exist at home."

As an export market Australia had a lot going for it including proximity, common language and New Zealand's cost competitiveness, said Dunkerley.

It was also developing bi-lateral trade deals with countries such as Thailand and the US, making it an attractive stepping stone into other markets, she said.

"Australia's economy is very healthy with a growth rate that is one of the highest in the OECD, and still growing - so the potential for exports to the market is significant."