Survey of Business Operations 2026

Your business has been selected by Stats NZ as part of a representative sample to help provide a comprehensive picture of how businesses operate, innovate and grow. The findings are used to inform government policy and programmes that support the business environment.

SOBO continues the work previously undertaken through the Stats NZ Business Operations Survey.

The survey is being conducted by Ipsos Limited, an independent research company, on behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Stats NZ.

Who needs to complete the survey

Completion of the survey is required under the Data and Statistics Act 2022. Any business, public sector agency, or organisation selected for the survey must complete it.

The survey should be overseen by the General Manager, or another senior person with a broad understanding of the business. Some sections may require input from specialist staff (for example finance, HR, or IT).

Different team members can contribute using the unique survey link provided in your invitation. Once a section has been submitted, it cannot be edited.

What the survey covers

The survey asks about:

• general business operations
• innovation and business practices
• workforce and employment
• use and impact of artificial intelligence

You can view or print a copy of the survey questions before starting.

Most businesses take around 60–90 minutes to complete the survey. It can be completed in multiple shorter sessions if needed.

How the information will be used

The results will be used to support government policy development, including in areas such as:

• minimum wage structures
• research and development tax incentives
• the adoption and impact of artificial intelligence
• targeted programmes to support business to grow and overcome barriers

Once the research is complete, key findings and reports will be made available on the MBIE website.

Privacy and confidentiality

Your responses will be used for statistical and research purposes only, in accordance with the Data and Statistics Act 2022.

With your permission, survey data may be linked to the Longitudinal Business Database (LBD), a secure Stats NZ research dataset that combines business data from government surveys and administrative sources over time. Any data included in the LBD is de-identified, meaning businesses cannot be directly identified.

MBIE, Stats NZ and Ipsos maintain high standards of privacy, security and confidentiality, ensuring information is used solely for statistical and research purposes, except where allowed under the Data and Statistics Act 2022.

Optional follow-up interview

At the end of the survey, you may be invited to take part in an optional online interview about your business’s experience with artificial intelligence.

As a thank you, a $100 donation will be made to a charity of your choice from an approved list.

Need help?

If you have questions or require assistance, contact Ipsos:

Email NZ-Field-Help@ipsos.com 

Phone: 0800 478 783