I am about to begin a steady software contract, i.e., at least six months of steady work as an independent software contractor. I've done that in the past in the US, but only have worked as a salaried employee since I've been in New Zealand. The contract just appeared, before I had reason to research how people generally set up their solo contracting businesses in this country.

Can anyone provide some hints or links to information on the best practices and standard ways of doing business as an independent contractor here? For example, for tax purposes is it ok to work just as myself or are there strong advantages to setting up some sort of business entity, and if so which kind is best for this purpose? I know how I would keep track of and deduct expenses in the US -- What would be different about that here? One aspect that will be unfamiliar to me is how GST is handled -- I can read up on IRD regulations, but that won't give me tips on how solo independent contractors make the best use of the regulations.

Thanks for any advice or pointers to good sources of information.