How many directors do I need?
The company must have at least one Director, who has to be a natural person (i.e. not a body corporate). There is no restriction on the total numbers of directors, and directors need not to be shareholders.

Do directors need to be New Zealand Residents?
Directors don't need to be a New Zealand residents.

How many shareholders do I need?
A company must have at least one shareholder, which can be an individual or a company. Trusts are not recognised for being a shareholder as shareholders have certain liabilities under New Zealand company law.

Do I need a secretary?
You do not need to appoint a secretary but may do so.

What is the share capital of the Company?
The company issues shares normally called "Ordinary Shares", which are not assigned a value at the time of company registration. The number of shares will vary depending on the circumstances, normally numbering from one hundred shares to up to one thousand shares.

What about the registered office?
Every company must have a registered office in New Zealand.

Does company need to appoint an auditor?
An auditor must be appointed, if a company is controlled by foreign interests, that is, where body corporate incorporated outside New Zealand or their subsidiaries, or persons not ordinarily resident on New Zealand control more than 25% of the votes. Other companies can unanimously resolve not to appoint an auditor.

What is the tax rate in New Zealand?
The rate for income tax for companies in New Zealand is 33%; the top marginal rate for natural persons is 39%.

What have overseas clients to know?
If a person not ordinarily resident in New Zealand carry the right to exercise 25% or more of the voting power at a meeting of the company, an auditor has to be appointed and a copy of the financial statements together with the auditor's report must be delivered to the companies registrar for registration. A registration fee of NZ$100 is payable each year.

When are annual reports to be prepared?
The board of directors of each company must prepare an annual report on the affairs of the company during the accounting period within 5 months after the balance date of the company.