Originally Posted by
kapchi
Everyone keeps saying about $700, I don't know where you get this number: "
If you're bringing items to New Zealand from overseas that cost NZ$1000 or less you don't have to pay anything to Customs, as GST is collected when you purchase your items." The item price is lower than the limit." https://www.customs.govt.nz/personal...from-overseas/
You keep bringing this up but are confusing two very different things.
When you bring back goods over the border with you on a plane or ship then you are entitled to a $700 duty free concession. You can bring in goods duty free up to $700 and above $700 you are legally required to declare these and pay GST and/or duty.
If you are purchasing goods online for delivery to NZ a different law applies and the details are in your link above. Overseas retailers are legally required to collect GST and/or duty when they sell goods to people located in NZ.
For purchases under $1000 they will automatically collect the GST and/or duty for you.
For purchases above $1000 you fall into the category of a commercial importer and require a customs client code. Some online retailers will still collect GST and/or duty above $1000 and handle this for you, but others will not collect the GST and/or duty and will send the goods to NZ where they will be stopped at the border and you'll either need to provide your customs client code and then pay the GST and/or duty to Customs directly OR you can engage a customs agent to handle this on your behalf - NZ Post and all the main freight companies (DHL/Fedex/UPS) will handle this on your behalf and charge a service fee.