News Categories

Resource Management Convictions not Overturned Despite Legal Loophole

By Andru Isac

Those following recent developments involving resource management prosecutions are likely to be aware that late last year an interesting loophole in the Resource Management Act was identified and examined by the Courts.

Internet piracy and the law

By Liam Hehir

A Difficult relationship

Ever since VHS machines with a recording function became prevalent, very few people in this country could honestly say that they have never been in breach of copyright law. After all, who among us has gotten the express written permission of both SANZAR and News Corporation before taping a rugby game?

Flatting? Renting your home? You need to read this…

By Liam Hehir

If you are renting, and you don't have liability insurance, you are flirting with financial ruin.

Protect your business with a Trademark

By Liam Hehir

Bernard owns a carpet cleaning company and he has a real flair for running the business. He offers a top-notch service and the whole operation is capped off by a memorable business name, Carpet Cleaners One, with associated logo. Within a few years, Carpet Cleaners One has gained a reputation around town as the people to call for carpet cleaning.

A legal guide to charitable giving

By Liam Hehir

We all get the occasional phone call during tea from someone calling on behalf of a charity. New Zealanders are charitable people: we have high rates of giving internationally and, as the Haitian crisis has shown, we respond generously to natural disasters around the globe.

IGovt Identity Verification – New Requirements for Company Registration in New Zealand

1. Public Concern

Recent news regarding a New Zealand registered company and its alleged link to the smuggling of arms from North Korea to Iran has raised concerns at the ease with which both companies and directors may become registered in New Zealand.

Particular concern is aimed at the fact that under the current system no form of identification confirmation is required in the registration process which experts have suggested exposes the New Zealand system to abuse in the form of money laundering and terrorist financing.[1] As a result there have been calls to tighten up the registration process.

However, comments made by Companies Office General manager Justin Hygate remind us that any proposed changes to the company registration system must be weighed carefully:

"The fact we have got this very simple company registration system in New Zealand helps us do business. In the vast majority of cases - 99.9 per cent of companies - the owners are obvious".[2]

While recognising that checking peoples identity prior to registering a company or becoming a director could help make the world more secure, Mr Hygate, referring to the North Korea arms example above, stated that, "All the players have been identified and are ‘real people'. None of the additional checks we could have done would have prevented what happened happening."[3]

[1] Michael Field, para 8, Seychelles director breaks silence, The Dominion Post, 13 January 2010: http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/world/3225205/Seychelles-director-breaks-silence

[2] Tom Pullar-Strecker, para 18, Identity verification planned, The Dominion Post, 18 January 2010: http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/3236050/Identity-verification-planned

[3] Ibid para 20.

Getting out of Parking Tickets…

By Liam Hehir

Parking tickets are like mosquitoes. They are a constant, if minor irritant and, whatever precautions you usually take, you are going to be bitten from time to time.

The Charities Commission Has Declined Our Application For Registration As A Charity – Do We Have Other Options?

By Karina Job

The answer is yes! Many organisations are now faced with the dilemma of having their applications for registration as a charitable entity declined after having previously enjoyed "tax exempt status" under the old rules administered by the Inland Revenue Department.

Directors & Shareholders – What’s The Difference?

By Karina Job

Do either of these scenarios sound familiar to you?

Companies – What Are They and Why Should I Think About Forming One?

By Karina Job

You should consider setting up a company to avoid the situation a client once found himself in. This particular client enjoyed all aspects of tourism and travel and so decided to establish a travel agency and operate as a sole trader. As with many new businesses starting up, the client incurred significant establishment costs.

Go to page >>

Search: