Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Government95% confidence

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is a New Zealand government ministry based in Wellington that oversees business regulation, immigration, employment, tenancy, building and construction, and economic development policy and services.

Wellington, New Zealand
mbie.govt.nz

About Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is a central New Zealand government ministry headquartered in Wellington. It brings together functions from several former agencies to oversee a broad portfolio including business regulation, companies and intellectual property, employment relations, immigration, tenancy services, building and construction regulation, energy and resources, tourism, and wider economic development policy. Many online government services and regulatory payments in New Zealand for these areas are administered by MBIE.

A card charge with a descriptor similar to “MIN BUS Wellington” or “MIN BUS INNOVATION & EM WELLINGTON NZL” is typically a payment to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Publicly available card statements from New Zealand and Australian entities show this descriptor used for MBIE-related fees, such as Tenancy Tribunal application fees and other regulatory or service payments.([ccc.govt.nz](https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/How-the-Council-works/PcardJune2016.pdf?utm_source=openai)) These can include tenancy or building-related applications, licensing and registration fees, immigration-related payments, or other online transactions processed through MBIE’s payment systems. Amounts are often round figures in New Zealand dollars (e.g., NZD 20, NZD 150) and may appear as international transactions on non‑NZ cards.

If you are unsure about an MBIE charge, start by checking any recent activity where you or your organisation may have lodged an application, paid a government fee, or used an online service connected to business, tenancy, immigration, or licensing. You can usually locate a matching invoice or receipt in the relevant MBIE online portal (e.g., Tenancy Tribunal services, immigration online services) or via email. For disputes or questions, cardholders should first verify details with their own records, then contact MBIE using the contact information on mbie.govt.nz, quoting the approximate date, amount, and purpose of the payment. If the charge still cannot be identified, you can raise a dispute with your bank or card issuer, who may request supporting documentation from MBIE on your behalf.

Bank Statement Variations

1 known variations

These are the raw merchant codes that appear on bank and credit card statements that we've identified as belonging to Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

  1. MIN BUS Wellington

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my statement show a charge from “MIN BUS Wellington” or “MIN BUS INNOVATION & EM WELLINGTON”?

This descriptor is an abbreviated form of “Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment” in Wellington, New Zealand. It commonly appears when you pay New Zealand government fees administered by MBIE, such as Tenancy Tribunal application fees, licensing or registration charges, or other regulatory services. Public procurement and council records show this exact descriptor used for Tenancy Tribunal application payments and similar MBIE fees.([ccc.govt.nz](https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/How-the-Council-works/PcardJune2016.pdf?utm_source=openai))

What types of services or fees might I have paid to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment?

Common MBIE-related payments include Tenancy Tribunal applications and filing fees, tenancy bond-related charges, business and professional licensing or registration fees, building and construction regulatory fees, immigration-related payments, and charges associated with online government services under MBIE’s responsibility. Review any recent applications or forms you submitted through New Zealand government websites that fall under these areas.

Why is the MBIE charge showing as an international transaction with extra fees on my card?

MBIE is a New Zealand government ministry based in Wellington, so if your card is issued outside New Zealand, the transaction will usually be processed as an international payment in New Zealand dollars. Your bank may add a small international transaction or currency conversion fee, which can appear as a separate line item directly after the MBIE charge, similar to examples seen on corporate card statements.([icac.nsw.gov.au](https://www.icac.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/737/PI%20Exhibit%20EXH-135.pdf.aspx?utm_source=openai))

How can I confirm what this MBIE charge was for?

First, cross‑check the exact amount and date with any recent MBIE-related activity, such as Tenancy Tribunal applications, licensing renewals, or immigration or business filings you completed online. Then review your email for receipts or confirmations from a New Zealand government or MBIE address, or log into the relevant MBIE or New Zealand Government online portal used for your application. If you still cannot identify the charge, contact MBIE using the contact details on mbie.govt.nz, providing the transaction date, amount, and the last four digits of your card if requested.

Can I get a refund for a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment charge?

Refunds depend on the underlying service or fee. Many regulatory and application fees (for example, Tenancy Tribunal filing fees or certain licensing payments) are non‑refundable once an application has been lodged or processed, but some services may allow refunds if you paid in error or your application is withdrawn before processing. Check the specific service’s terms and conditions on mbie.govt.nz or the portal you used, and then contact MBIE directly if you believe you qualify for a refund.

How do I contact someone about an incorrect or duplicate MBIE charge?

Go to mbie.govt.nz and navigate to the section for the service you used (such as Tenancy, Building and Construction, Immigration, or Business). Each area lists dedicated contact channels—typically phone numbers and web or email contact forms. When you reach out, have your full name, relevant application or reference number, the date and amount of the card charge, and any receipt or confirmation emails available. If MBIE confirms the charge is incorrect, they can advise on refund or adjustment steps; you may also notify your bank to initiate a dispute if needed.

Why do I see several small MBIE charges of similar amounts on the same day?

Multiple same‑day charges can occur if you submitted several applications, paid more than one fee (for example, multiple Tenancy Tribunal filings), or if a payment attempt was retried after an initial failure. Government card statements published online show instances where multiple MBIE charges of identical New Zealand dollar amounts were processed for separate tribunal applications or related fees.([ccc.govt.nz](https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/How-the-Council-works/PcardJune2016.pdf?utm_source=openai))

What should I do if I don’t recognize any dealings with MBIE but see this charge?

First, check with family members, colleagues, or anyone else who may have access to the card to confirm they did not lodge a tenancy, immigration, or business-related application using your details. If nobody recognizes the transaction and you cannot match it to any government interaction, contact your card issuer immediately to report a potentially unauthorized charge and request a transaction dispute. Your bank can liaise with MBIE and, if necessary, cancel and reissue your card to prevent further unauthorized use.

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