Changes for Companies

Changes to Companies Office Annual Return Requirements

From 1 July 2015, we will be requesting some additional information from our clients’ New Zealand incorporated companies before we can file their Annual Return with the Companies Office.  This is because of new requirements under the Companies Amendment Act 2014.  The key dates and the new requirements are as follows:

1 July

From 1 July 2015, all New Zealand companies must provide the following information. Without this information, it will not be possible to file an Annual return:

The place and date of birth of every director.  Note this won’t be available for the public to view.

Details of the ultimate holding company if applicable.

29 October

From 29 October 2015, all New Zealand companies must have at least one director who lives in New Zealand or Australia. If Australia, that individual must be a director of a company incorporated in Australia.

For newly incorporated companies, these changes apply immediately.

Companies that do not comply may be removed from the register – with any company assets then passing to the Crown.

The idea behind these changes is to prevent misuse of the Companies Register – and to provide the Registrar of Companies with some additional information to assist in holding those who misuse the register to account.