Business owners enjoy operating in New Zealand for the quality of life it offers, according to a survey of more than 1000 small to medium companies.

The latest MYOB Business Monitor survey found that 83 per cent of respondents thought New Zealand was a safe place to live and work while 82 per cent enjoyed the "great" lifestyle here.

"This survey shows that New Zealand, by virtue of its relaxed culture, amazing lifestyle, and safe and stable business environment, enjoys some impressive advantages when it comes to running a business," MYOB general manager Julian Smith said.

Around three-quarters of the respondents said they believed New Zealand had a stable economy and good education system.

According to MYOB, 71 per cent thought New Zealand's number 8-wire mentality and culture of innovation offered real benefits for companies working here. 

Just over 60 per cent thought the Government was business friendly and 54 per cent considered bureaucracy levels low, although only 48 per cent of construction sector companies agreed due to the red tape they face seeking consents and recently introduced requirements to have building practitioners licensed.

Most exporters, 81 per cent, regarded our culture of innovation as an asset. The image of New Zealand overseas as clean and green was considered a boost to business by 65 per cent of respondents.

Younger respondents in the Generation Y category voted 81 per cent that the New Zealand environment was a significant plus to doing business here. 

"It is a real boost to our exporters, especially in a world where issues like biosecurity are becoming more and more important. Being able to leverage off the strong brand of 'New Zealand Inc' is an attractive prospect for business owners in the global market," Smith said.

"Clearly business owners are making some trade offs to work here. They might enjoy the lifestyle and the ability to be close to friends and family, but the costs of competing in export markets and the continual struggle to attract staff who can get higher wages offshore make it harder to run a business in New Zealand."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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