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When Kiwis talk about the “Big Four”, they could be referring to two different groups:
- The Big Four banks that dominate New Zealand’s finance sector, or
- The Big Four accounting and professional services firms that advise major corporations and the government.
Both sets of Big 4s shape New Zealand’s economy, employment market, and financial stability.
Let’s explore who they are, what they do, and why they hold so much influence.
Big 4 Audit Market Share in NZ (Recent Data)
The Big Four Banks in New Zealand
1. ANZ New Zealand
- Parent company: ANZ Group Holdings (Australia)
- Market share: ~31 % of all lending
- Employees: ~9,000
- Overview: New Zealand’s largest bank, serving over 2 million customers. It offers personal, business, and institutional banking, and is a major KiwiSaver provider.
- Key facts: ANZ is often seen as the benchmark for mortgage and savings rates.
2. ASB Bank
- Parent company: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)
- Market share: ~22 %
- Employees: ~5,500
- Overview: Founded in 1847, ASB is known for strong digital banking innovation and customer satisfaction.
3. Bank of New Zealand (BNZ)
- Parent company: National Australia Bank (NAB)
- Market share: ~18 %
- Employees: ~5,000
- Overview: BNZ focuses on SME lending, agribusiness, and sustainability-linked loans.
4. Westpac New Zealand
- Parent company: Westpac Banking Corporation (Australia)
- Market share: ~13 %
- Employees: ~4,500
- Overview: A key player in retail and business banking, also managing public-sector accounts such as government departments and universities.
Together, these four banks control more than 80 % of New Zealand’s lending and deposit market, making them the backbone of the country’s financial system.
Why Are They Called the Big 4 Banks?
Because they dominate market share, employment, and capital flow in the economy.
Their combined assets exceed $700 billion, and they manage most mortgages, savings, and business loans in the country.
The Reserve Bank closely regulates these banks through capital and liquidity standards to ensure financial stability.
The Big Four Accounting & Professional Services Firms
When discussing corporate consulting or auditing, “Big 4” refers to:
- Deloitte
- PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
- Ernst & Young (EY)
- KPMG
1. Deloitte New Zealand
- Employees: ~1,700
- Revenue (Global 2025): US$70.5 billion
- Services: Audit, tax, consulting, and risk advisory
- NZ presence: Offices in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Dunedin
2. PwC New Zealand
- Employees: ~1,600
- Revenue (Global 2024): US$55.4 billion
- Known for: Corporate tax, assurance, and deals advisory
- Clients: Large listed companies, public sector, and start-ups
3. EY New Zealand
- Employees: ~1,300
- Revenue (Global 2025): US$53.2 billion
- Specialties: Audit, strategy, and digital transformation consulting
4. KPMG New Zealand
- Employees: ~1,200
- Revenue (Global 2024): ~US$36 billion
- Focus: Audit, business advisory, and management consulting for government and agriculture
Why Are They Called the “Big Four” Accounting Firms?
Because they dominate the global auditing market — collectively auditing over 80 % of the world’s publicly listed companies.
They provide services in accounting, legal, strategy, and digital transformation.
In New Zealand, these firms also employ thousands of graduates each year and are seen as key career launchpads for finance, economics, and business professionals.
What Is the Biggest Company in New Zealand?
“Biggest” can mean different things — by revenue, market capitalisation, or employees.
As of 2025, the largest publicly listed companies on the NZX are:
| Rank | Company | Sector | Approx. Market Cap (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fisher & Paykel Healthcare | Healthcare tech | $20 b |
| 2 | Xero | Software / SaaS | $17 b |
| 3 | Meridian Energy | Utilities | $13 b |
| 4 | Spark NZ | Telecommunications | $9 b |
| 5 | Contact Energy | Utilities | $8 b |
These are not part of the “Big 4,” but they represent the heart of New Zealand’s listed corporate landscape.
What Is the Biggest Big 4 Company?
Globally and locally, Deloitte holds the top spot by revenue and workforce size.
Its consulting division has expanded rapidly across New Zealand, with major contracts in digital transformation for government and large enterprises.
What Is the Big 4 Salary in New Zealand?
Salaries vary by firm, service line, and seniority.
Below is an approximate range (2025 figures):
| Level | Typical Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Graduate / Analyst | $60k – $70k |
| Senior / Associate | $75k – $95k |
| Assistant Manager | $90k – $110k |
| Manager | $110k – $140k |
| Senior Manager | $140k – $170k |
| Partner / Director | $220k – $600k+ |
While starting salaries are modest, progression is steady, and Big 4 experience opens doors to higher-paying roles in corporate finance and industry.
Big 4 Jobs in New Zealand
Explore current roles at New Zealand’s Big Four banks and Big Four accounting & professional services firms. Links open the organisations’ official job boards or NZ listings on SEEK.
Tip: Use the tabs to switch between banks and accounting firms. Use the search box to filter cards by firm, city, or keyword.
Largest NZ bank; roles across retail, business banking, risk, tech, and corporate functions.
Known for digital banking innovation; opportunities in branches, ops, data, and tech.
Focus on SMEs, agribusiness and sustainability-linked lending; nationwide branch & head office roles.
Major player in retail, business and public-sector banking; options in branches, ops, and corporate.
Note: This widget links to external job boards and does not list live vacancies itself. Always check each organisation’s careers site for the latest openings and salary details.
Why Do These Companies Matter to New Zealand’s Economy?
Both sets of Big 4s play vital roles:
- Banks drive lending, investment, and economic growth.
- Accounting firms ensure corporate transparency and financial governance.
They also provide thousands of jobs, sponsor graduate programs, and contribute significant tax revenue.
However, critics argue their dominance can limit competition and innovation — particularly in the banking sector, where all four parent companies are Australian-owned.
Key Takeaway
In New Zealand, “Big 4” refers to two separate but powerful groups:
- Big Four Banks: ANZ, ASB, BNZ, and Westpac — control most lending and deposits.
- Big Four Accounting Firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG — dominate professional services and auditing.
Together, they anchor New Zealand’s financial stability, employ tens of thousands of Kiwis, and shape corporate life.
FAQs – What Are the Big 4 Companies in New Zealand?
What are the Big 4 companies in NZ?
Usually refers to either the four major banks (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac) or the four accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG).
Which are the biggest banks in New Zealand?
ANZ, ASB, BNZ, and Westpac — collectively holding over 80 % of bank lending.
Which companies are called the Big 4 accounting firms?
Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. They dominate auditing and consulting globally.
What is the biggest company in NZ?
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare currently tops the NZX by market capitalisation, followed by Xero and Meridian Energy.
What is the Big 4 salary in NZ?
Graduate salaries average $60–70k, rising to $100–150k at management levels and beyond $250k for partners.
Why are they called the Big 4?
Because they are the largest and most influential firms in their respective industries — banking and professional services.
Who is known as Big 4?
The “Big 4” refers to the four largest professional services firms in the world, specialising in auditing, tax, consulting, and advisory services: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG.
Who are the Big 4 in NZ?
In New Zealand, the same four global firms dominate the professional services sector — Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG — each with offices in major NZ cities.
What is Big 4 in Australia?
Australia also uses the same definition: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG are the major audit and advisory powerhouses operating across multiple cities.
Is the Big 4 now the Big 5?
No. The major firms remain four, not five. Historically, there were more than four, but consolidations made it “Big 4.”
Why KPMG and not other Big 4?
People may choose KPMG based on its culture, sector focus, training style, global opportunities, or specific practice strengths. Fit, location, and career interests often determine the preference among the four.
Which Big 4 is most prestigious?
Prestige varies by region and speciality, but PwC and Deloitte often rank highest globally. That said, all four have strong reputations, and the “best” depends on the service line and market.
Why do they call it the Big 4?
They’re called the “Big 4” because they are the four largest firms providing audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services — significantly bigger than their next competitors.
What’s the salary at a Big 4 firm?
Salaries vary by country, role, and experience. Typically:
- Entry-level roles offer competitive but modest starting salaries.
- Mid-level positions (senior, manager) see substantial increases.
- Senior management and partner levels earn significantly more.
Exact numbers differ by region and economic conditions.
Why are they called the Big 4?
The name reflects their dominant size in the global accounting and advisory industry. They audit the majority of the world’s largest corporations and generate massive revenue compared to smaller firms.
Which Big 4 is hardest to get into?
Competitiveness depends on location and department. Generally, Deloitte and PwC receive the most applications globally, but all four have rigorous hiring processes.
What are the Big 4 banks in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s “Big 4 banks” are:
- ANZ
- ASB
- BNZ
- Westpac
(This is the banking Big 4, not the accounting Big 4.)
Who is top 1 in Big 4?
Rankings change yearly, but Deloitte often holds the #1 position by global revenue.
What does Big 4 stand for?
It stands for the four biggest accounting and professional services firms worldwide.
Is it the Big 5 or the Big 4?
Today, it is the Big 4. There used to be a “Big 5” before mergers and exits reduced the group.
Why is the Big 5 now the Big 4?
Because one major firm from the former Big 5 collapsed and others merged, resulting in the current four-firm structure.
Does the Big 4 still exist?
Yes — the Big 4 firms are active and continue to dominate global audit, advisory, and consulting services.
Who is the Big 4 now?
The current Big 4 are: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG.
Why Big 4 and not Big 5?
Industry shifts, consolidations, and the failure of a major former firm led to the reduction from five to four. These four now remain the dominant global players.
