Registered Incorporated Society · Aotearoa New Zealand
We are gathering interest from individuals and organisations who would like to become members of Bitcoin Policy New Zealand.
About
Bitcoin Policy New Zealand (BPNZ) is a Registered Incorporated Society dedicated to educating, advocating for, and supporting Bitcoin adoption. We aim to make Bitcoin usable, practical, and beneficial for individuals, businesses, and policymakers across New Zealand.
Vision
We aim to empower New Zealand individuals, businesses, and government to fully participate in the Bitcoin Network, embracing its potential as a transformative monetary technology. Through education, advocacy, and practical support, we provide the knowledge and tools needed to achieve financial sovereignty, foster economic growth, and unlock the wide-ranging benefits of Bitcoin adoption.
Policy
Bitcoin is money. New Zealand's current tax rules make every Bitcoin transaction taxable, creating compliance burdens and discouraging everyday use.
A de minimis exemption for payments under NZD $1,000 would simplify reporting, encourage adoption, and reduce administrative costs. International examples, including the U.S., Germany, and Portugal, show that small-transaction exemptions boost compliance and innovation.
This policy would lower payment transaction fees, support fintech growth, expand consumer choice, and position New Zealand as a forward-thinking hub for digital finance.
View the policy paper (PDF)Articles
13 February 2026
A rebuttal to Bitcoin's $7 billion reckoning.
Dr Simon Collins, Chief Revenue Officer at Lightning Pay and Founding Researcher at the Digital Assets Research Institute, revisits the running tally of Bitcoin obituaries. According to bitcoindeaths.com, Bitcoin has been declared dead 464 times — a documented count of published obituaries by journalists, economists, and commentators over Bitcoin's lifetime.
Read full article →FAQs
Yes. Bitcoin functions as a store of value, medium of exchange, and unit of account, though it is not currently legal tender in New Zealand.
It means "too small to matter" in legal terms, often referring to tax exemptions for small amounts below a certain threshold.
Typically fractions of a cent for routing, plus any service fees from the provider.
The swap occurs when the payment provider converts Bitcoin to NZD. Lightning settlement is instant, exchange settlement is seconds to minutes, and bank transfer can be up to 1–2 business days.
No single company owns Bitcoin. It is an open, decentralised network. The Bitcoin Lightning network is also open-source and maintained by independent contributors.
A node is software that stores and verifies the Bitcoin blockchain. Running a node means enforcing the rules yourself and increasing security and independence.
A government-held Bitcoin reserve used for long-term savings, diversification, and protection against currency debasement.
A company that holds Bitcoin as a core reserve asset for protection against inflation, diversification, or strategic positioning.
Yes, the RBNZ holds foreign reserves and government bonds. They do not currently hold Bitcoin, but could do so if policy and legislation changed.
Events
The official launch of Bitcoin Policy New Zealand (BPNZ) was held on 12 November 2025 at Chouchou in Wellington. The evening included the release of BPNZ's first policy paper, Bitcoin as Money: De minimis tax exemption for Bitcoin payments under NZD $1000, presentations on Bitcoin innovation, and Lightning Network payment demonstrations, with attendees able to purchase drinks using Bitcoin.
The event drew 40 VIP guests, including Hon. Nicole McKee, Minister for Courts and Associate Minister of Justice, Joseph Mooney MP, Greg Fleming MP, and ACT List MP Cameron Luxton, along with representatives from leading Bitcoin businesses, government departments, and other stakeholders. BPNZ Chairperson Kevin Whitmore highlighted how New Zealand's current tax rules make small Bitcoin transactions difficult to account for and presented our proposal for a de minimis exemption to simplify compliance, lower payment costs, and support innovation.
The launch demonstrated how Bitcoin can function as money in New Zealand, reinforcing BPNZ's mission to enable the country's participation in the global shift toward digital, open-standard money while engaging policymakers, industry leaders, and the public.
On Wednesday 4 June 2025, Kiwi Bitcoin experts, members of Bitcoin Policy New Zealand, and representatives from the Bitcoin Basin circular economy gave a special presentation to over 20 coalition MPs at New Zealand's Parliament.
Membership
BPNZ offers annual membership to individuals and organisations who want to support thoughtful, constructive Bitcoin policy in New Zealand. Membership fees can be paid in NZD or bitcoin.
Individual
$50 NZD/year
One vote on BPNZ matters, including committee appointments and items raised at the AGM.
Corporate
$1,000 NZD/year
One nominated representative votes on the organisation's behalf.
Membership runs for 12 months from the date of payment. If you pay in bitcoin, your membership is confirmed once payment is received and processed. You're also welcome to support our work with a donation in NZD or bitcoin — BPNZ is not a registered charity, so donations aren't tax-deductible and don't include voting rights unless you also sign up as a member.
Questions or feedback about membership? Email memberfeedback@nzbitcoin.org
Collaborators
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We are gathering interest from individuals and organisations who want to support Bitcoin education, adoption, and policy in New Zealand.