The CA ANZ New Zealand Tax Conference returns on 20–21 November 2025 at Cordis Auckland, with online attendance available. As the flagship event for tax professionals in New Zealand, this year’s theme “Tax: Going for Growth?” explores the intersection of tax policy, economic productivity, and long-term fiscal resilience.

Bringing together leading voices from Inland Revenue, the private sector, and academia, the 2025 program offers a timely mix of technical updates, policy analysis, and strategic foresight. The two-day format includes plenary addresses, concurrent technical streams, and practical case studies designed to help practitioners, CFOs, and internal teams keep across key developments and emerging issues.

Focal points of the 2025 agenda

This year’s sessions cover a wide spectrum of tax issues—ranging from potential changes to charity and not-for-profit taxation to GST updates, fringe benefit tax reforms, and the practical application of new incentives such as the investment boost. Attendees will also gain fresh perspectives on managing tax audits and disputes, navigating cross-border employment issues, royalties and addressing emerging topics such as cryptoasset taxation, and emissions trading.

One of the standout topics is the tax treatment of charities and donor-controlled structures, with Inland Revenue outlining potential legislative changes to the way charity business income is taxed. A companion session on not-for-profits will clarify the often-misunderstood tax treatment of member payments and the shifting compliance expectations for clubs and associations.

Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) also features prominently, with Inland Revenue presenting its recent consultation findings and proposed simplification measures. Through case studies and policy analysis, the sessions will help employers and advisors understand how upcoming legislative changes may affect benefit structures and reporting obligations.

Another key policy area is the Investment Boost incentive. With implementation now underway, this session unpacks the government’s rationale and walks through practical compliance issues, such as fixed asset register updates and system alignment. Real-world scenarios will illustrate how to support clients in applying the rules effectively.

Audit and dispute management will be tackled head-on in a dual-session format. Co-presented by Inland Revenue and private sector experts, the sessions will offer guidance on navigating audits confidently from early disclosure, managing the audit process including interacting with Inland Revenue, through to agreed adjustments and finalisation of the audit. This will be particularly relevant as enforcement activity ramps up.

The conference also includes the annual GST update, which remains a cornerstone of technical interest. This session covers key takeaways from the latest tax bill, GST governance principles, and topical issues in areas such as joint ventures, managed funds, and customs.

Two sessions address cross-border employment issues, including the taxation of remote workers, digital nomads, and globally mobile employees. The content spans PAYE obligations, double tax agreements, permanent establishment risks, and employee share schemes, making it essential for advisers working with international workforces.

One of the most forward-looking sessions explores Artificial Intelligence and its impact on tax. Drawing on practical use cases, this plenary session investigates how AI is transforming advisory and compliance work, while raising questions about privacy, workforce disruption, and long-term system sustainability.

Other technical sessions cover the tax treatment of cryptoassets, ETS units, foreign investment fund (FIF) reform for migrants, and the evolving definition of royalties and embedded payments. Case law updates also return, with key takeaways from recent New Zealand and international decisions.

Altogether, the 2025 program reflects the profession’s expanding scope—balancing detailed compliance with broader thinking around innovation, integrity, and policy direction.

Attendees will leave equipped with both the technical insight and strategic awareness needed for the year ahead.