What they are trying to fund
Prototyping, testing, tooling and production equipment, with R&D running alongside.
Likely first route: RDTI for the development work
Hardware development with prototypes, testing and firmware integration often points to RDTI first, subject to defining the uncertainty and keeping records.
Worth checking next: Asset finance for the equipment
Tooling, plant and production equipment are usually a finance or tax-treatment question, not a grant. Separate the equipment spend from the R&D spend before acting.
Weak-fit routes
Treating the whole spend as one funding question, and assuming a grant covers equipment.
Documents to prepare
- R&D activity and uncertainty summary
- Prototype and testing records
- Equipment list with costs and timing
- Staff and contractor expenditure
Adviser handoff
| Question | Best first conversation |
|---|---|
| Is the development eligible R&D? | RDTI adviser or accountant |
| How should equipment be financed? | Bank, asset finance provider and accountant |
| Is tax treatment optimal? | Accountant |
Sources and review status
Last reviewed: June 2026.
Official sources checked: IRD, MBIE, business.govt.nz, NZTE, NZGCP, EECA and MPI, as relevant.
NZ Funding Pathways is a free resource funded by PH Capital Advisory.
General information only. Check the current official source and speak with the relevant adviser before acting.
This page provides general information only. It does not provide tax, accounting, legal, financial, investment or eligibility advice, and it does not guarantee funding.