Business Connect release notes – 12 December 2023

Our release on 12 December 2023 included the following changes.

Business Connect platform

New features

Accessibility statement

Customers using Business Connect can now see an accessibility statement that describes our efforts and commitment to ensuring all users can access the platform and digital services.

At a minimum, this platform aims to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA, as per the NZ Government Web Accessibility Standard. Business Connect has invested in ensuring the platform and forms are highly accessible as evidenced through independent testing.

The statement details a few areas we’re hoping to make good progress on over the next 6 months. 

Shared tiles

Customers will now be able to find council services more easily on the landing page in Business Connect thanks to shared tiles.

For example, the shared tile for Notification of Management Change will take customers to a screen to select their council. The form for that council will then be displayed for the customer.

This reduces clutter on the landing page and makes it quicker and clearer for customers to find their way to the right form.

Online payment link

Services on Business Connect that require a payment option can now include our new payment link function in their form.

This light integration will carry the case number for their application as a reference and the amount to pay within the link so there is no need for the business to rekey that information. This can link to the service providers payment gateway or payment software like Magiq.

This reduces the likelihood of errors and allows the service provider to match up payments with applications. It also significantly reduces any customer journey friction between Business Connect and external payment websites.

Being able to pay on the spot saves businesses time and ensures the application can be processed promptly.

Improvements

South Taranaki alcohol form updated

Customers applying for an alcohol licence or renewing will now have access to the most up to date fire and evacuation statement requirements by link.

Page title read aloud

When those customers using screen readers arrive on a new screen the page title will now be read aloud to help orient them as to where they are in the process.

Last updated: 12 December 2023