When Kiwis talk about the “Big Four”, they could be referring to two different groups:

1. The Big Four banks that dominate New Zealand’s finance sector, or
2. 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.

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:

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):

While starting salaries are modest, progression is steady, and Big 4 experience opens doors to higher-paying roles in corporate finance and industry.

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:

1. Big Four Banks: ANZ, ASB, BNZ, and Westpac — control most lending and deposits.
2. 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.