Who can be a shareholder or a director of a company?

A New Zealand company must have at least one share, one shareholder and one director. A director manages the company's affairs and has legal duties. At least one director must live in New Zealand, or live in Australia and also be a director of an Australian-incorporated company.

A shareholder can be an individual, a New Zealand company or another legal entity. An unincorporated trust is not registered as the shareholder. Its trustees are normally registered as joint holders. Directors and proposed shareholders must provide the information and consents required by the Companies Register.

Company roles create legal responsibilities. Get legal advice if the ownership or governance arrangement is unusual.