Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Office address: 15 Stout Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011 
Website: mbie.govt.nz 
Year established: 2012 
Company type: government agency 
Employees: 6,500+ 
Expertise: business growth, employment relations, immigration, building and construction, science and innovation, economic development, energy, tourism, housing, workplace safety 
Parent company: Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa (New Zealand Government) 
Key people: Carolyn Tremain (CEO); Nic Blakeley, Richard Griffiths, Alison McDonald, Robert Pigou, Melanie Porter and Paul Stocks (deputy secretaries) 
Financing status: N/A 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is New Zealand’s leading agency for business support. It is based in Wellington with over 6,500 staff across 40 offices. MBIE delivers policy, advice and services for business growth, Māori development, immigration and workplace safety. It aims to create opportunities, foster innovation and build a safer, more dynamic economy for all New Zealanders. 

History of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment 

Also known as Hīkina Whakatutuki, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment began its journey in 2012. It was formed by bringing together four key government entities:  

1. The Ministry of Economic Development 
2. The Department of Labour 
3. The Ministry of Science and Innovation 
4. The Department of Building and Housing 

Some of its main roles come from agencies that have served the country for generations. This long history gives MBIE deep roots in New Zealand’s public service. 

Growth and new roles 

Since its creation, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has taken on many new roles to meet the changing needs of Aotearoa New Zealand. It has supported major projects, including: 

• Kānoa – regional economic development and investment unit 
• managed isolation and quarantine during COVID-19 
• economic development funds 

MBIE also monitors Crown Research Institutes, Crown entity companies and other statutory bodies under the Public Finance Act. 

MBIE’s partnership and progress 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment upholds the standards of te Tiriti o Waitangi and builds strong partnerships with Māori. The ministry also leads research and projects to achieve its goals. 

The agency partnered with Business and Economic Research Limited (BERL) to release the 2023 Te Ōhanga Māori report. The report showed Māori GDP grew to $32 billion in 2023, with new growth in real estate, property and professional services. The ministry continues to adapt and create more opportunities for everyone. 

MBIE’s services 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment delivers a wide range of services that support safe homes, business growth and community wellbeing across New Zealand. Its offerings include: 

Business and employment 

• company and financial service registrations 
• advice and support for small businesses 
• setting and maintaining trading standards 
• resolving workplace disputes 

Building and energy 

• decisions on building code matters 
• managing tenancy bonds and refunds 
• mediation for tenancy and property issues 
• investigating breaches of housing and building rules 
• support for temporary accommodation 

Immigration and tourism 

• processing visas for work, study and travel 
• supporting migrants and refugees 
• ensuring safe and fair border crossings 
• funding for tourism initiatives 

Cross-government services 

• policy advice and support for Auckland 
• resolving disputes between parties 
• overseeing government regulations 
• language and translation assistance 

Science and technology 

• grants and funding for research and innovation 
• running the national space agency 
• improving digital connectivity 
• managing radio frequencies 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment serves a diverse customer base with a unified commitment to quality service. Its promise is to provide a positive experience, whether in person, by phone, email or online. 

Organizational culture and values 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s culture is built on the drive to ‘Grow New Zealand for All’. People are recognised and supported, with a strong focus on working together and making a real difference. Their values include: 

1. better together: respect others, share knowledge and connect with communities 
2. build our future: learn from the past, protect what matters and lead the way 
3. bold and brave: challenge the status quo, stay curious and seek new ideas 
4. own it: take responsibility, embrace differences and hold themselves to high standards 

MBIE offers flexible work options and encourages a healthy balance between work and life. Staff enjoy benefits designed to support their wellbeing and development, including: 

• career development: on-the-job learning, training, conferences and secondments for skill growth 
• recognition and progression: clear pay steps and promotion opportunities twice a year 
• wellbeing support: $465 wellbeing allowance, free flu shots and confidential counselling 
• health insurance: discounted Southern Cross premiums for staff and families 
• injury cover: 100% pay for work injuries under the ACC Partnership Program 
• extra leave: three extra annual leave days and up to 15 days’ lifestyle leave 
• study support: financial help and extra leave for tertiary study 
• charitable giving: payroll giving for easy donations to chosen charities 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s employee-led groups, such as Arahanga Wāhine and Te Rau Puāwai, support inclusion and belonging. The ENABLED network and Ngāi Kahukura help create a safe, respectful workplace. 

About CEO Carolyn Tremain and key people 

Carolyn Tremain is the chief executive and secretary at MBIE, leading work to grow New Zealand for all. She was CE at NZ Customs Service and held senior roles at Inland Revenue. Tremain has more than three decades of experience and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University in Wellington. 

Here are the key people who help guide the MBIE’s direction and deliver its services: 

• Nic Blakeley is deputy secretary for labour, science and enterprise; he brings experience from MSD and social policy transformation 
• Richard Griffiths serves as deputy secretary for corporate and digital shared services; he manages people, culture and digital operations 
• Alison McDonald is deputy secretary for immigration; she brings UK and NZ public sector leadership to the role 
• Robert Pigou is deputy secretary for regional development and commercial services; he has deep corporate finance and Asia banking experience 
• Melanie Porter is deputy secretary for strategy and assurance; she focuses on long-term performance and climate strategy 
• Paul Stocks is deputy secretary for building, resources and markets; he supports fair markets and strong regulatory systems 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s senior leadership team works together to set and guide its future. Their combined expertise helps MBIE achieve its goals for New Zealand. 

The future at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment 

In 2025, the ministry provided key rental data that showed national rents fell for the first time since 2009. This information helped highlight a shift in the rental market, making it more favourable for tenants and supporting advisers with up-to-date trends. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s data helps property professionals and clients make informed decisions as the market changes. 

MBIE also forecasts solar generation in New Zealand could increase tenfold by 2050. Its projections support industry and advisers by highlighting solar’s growing role in clean energy and property value. This work helps clients and professionals plan for a future with more affordable, resilient and sustainable energy options.