Choosing the right accounting software is one of the highest-leverage decisions a New Zealand tradie can make. The right tool files your GST, chases your invoices, and shows you whether you're actually making money — the wrong one becomes an expensive app you never open.
This guide compares the three platforms most NZ tradies actually use: Xero, MYOB, and Hnry.
Quick comparison
| Xero | MYOB | Hnry | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most tradies | Tradies with staff | Sole traders who hate admin |
| GST return | File to IRD | File to IRD | Paid automatically |
| Pricing | Monthly subscription | Monthly subscription | % of income |
| Payroll | Add-on | Strong | N/A |
Xero — the default choice for NZ tradies
Xero is a New Zealand–born platform and the most widely used accounting tool among Kiwi tradies. Bank feeds, GST returns, invoicing, and quote-to-invoice workflows are all built in, and almost every NZ accountant supports it.
MYOB — strong if you employ staff
MYOB is a capable alternative with particularly strong payroll, making it a good fit once you take on apprentices or employees.
Hnry — set-and-forget tax for sole traders
Hnry automatically deducts and pays your income tax, GST and ACC every time you get paid, then files everything for you. For tradies who dread admin and have a fairly simple sole-trader setup, it removes the entire end-of-year scramble.
How to choose
- Just you, want simplicity? Hnry or Xero.
- Growing, hiring staff? Xero or MYOB.
- Already have an accountant? Ask which they prefer to work in — usually Xero.
Whichever you pick, pair it with our GST Calculator and Hourly Rate Calculator to keep your pricing and tax on track.