eInvoicing - the how and why
Created: May 22, 2026 at 9:56 AM | Updated: May 25, 2026 | By NZ Navigator Trust
eInvoicing is available to any organisation or business with a New Zealand Business Number. The transfer of invoice information is made possible by using supported software or an access point provider who use common international standards (Peppol), allowing different systems to ‘speak’ to each other.
By adopting eInvoicing, your organisation could benefit from:
- Faster payment and improved cash flow
- Reduced manual admin
- Reduced processing costs and
- Direct and secure information exchange
Here's a simple overview of the process:
- A supplier creates an invoice in their accounting system.
- The invoice is securely sent through the eInvoicing network. During this process, key details - such as the New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) - are checked to make sure the invoice is going to the correct organisation.
- The invoice is then delivered directly into the buyer’s finance system. From there, it can be matched against purchase records and prepared for payment. The organisation's normal authorisation process can be used before payment is actioned.
As mentioned, the NZBN helps ensure invoices are sent to the right organisation, and also reduces the risk of errors or fraud.
Privacy and security are important parts of the eInvoicing system. The government, including the Inland Revenue Department, cannot see invoices sent through the Peppol eInvoicing network. (Peppol enables the efficient electronic exchange of eInvoices.
Only the following can access the invoice information:
- the organisation sending the invoice
- the organisation receiving the invoice
- the software systems used to send and receive invoices
- the approved Access Point Providers that securely transfer invoice data through the network.
The government's eInvoicing website has a webinar hub - https://www.einvoicing.govt.nz/learning-and-events/webinars/webinar-recordings. The hub includes a webinar that demystifies eInvoicing for small and medium enterprises. This is suitable for people working in accounts payable or receivable, office managers, or anyone who is responsible for invoices in your organisation.
For organisations using Xero and MYOB - there is no additional cost to add eInvoicing to your subscription.
Get going with MYOB - https://www.einvoicing.govt.nz/get-set-up/get-your-business-einvoicing/get-going-with-myob-business-essentials or download a PDF version here.
Get going with Xero - https://www.einvoicing.govt.nz/get-set-up/get-your-business-einvoicing/get-going-with-xero-business-edition or download a PDF version here.