To work as a driver on the Road Ninja platform, you must be a New Zealand tax resident. This is a strict requirement because all income earned through the platform is treated as New Zealand-sourced income.
Important Note on IRD Numbers: Simply holding an IRD number does not automatically make you a tax resident. The IRD issues numbers to non-residents for various reasons. Tax residency is a separate status determined by specific tests.
How tax residency is decided
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) uses two main tests to determine your status. You are considered a New Zealand tax resident if you meet either of the following criteria:
You have been in New Zealand for more than 183 days in any 12-month period.
You have a permanent place of abode in New Zealand (e.g., a home you own or rent and use as your base).
If you do not meet either of these tests, the IRD will treat you as a non-resident for tax purposes, and you will not be eligible to drive on Road Ninja.
What to do if you are unsure
Road Ninja cannot provide tax advice or confirm your residency status.
If you are uncertain about your status, you must contact the IRD directly. Explain your living situation and how much time you spend in New Zealand each year. They will confirm your specific status.
Updating your status in the App
Once you have confirmed that you are a New Zealand tax resident, you must update your profile to activate your profile.
Open the Road Ninja app and tap Profile.
Select Payments and tap Update bank account details.
Locate the question "Are you a New Zealand tax resident?" and toggle the switch to Yes.
Tap Save to confirm.