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Business Set Up Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on business set up for new zealand businesses.
What Is Trade Mark Specification In New Zealand? (2026 Updated)
If you’re registering a trade mark in New Zealand, it’s easy to focus on the “fun” part (your brand name or logo) and overlook the part that actually defines what you’ll own:...
6 January 2025
How To Set Expectations & Responsibilities Of Your Board Advisor (2026 Updated)
Bringing a board advisor into your business can feel like a turning point. Suddenly you’ve got someone experienced in your corner - a steady head, a strategic sounding board, and (ideally) a...
6 January 2025
How To Choose A Small Business Lawyer (2026 Updated)
When you’re building a small business, it’s easy to put legal support in the “later” bucket. But the truth is, the lawyer you choose early on can shape how confidently you grow,...
6 January 2025
How To Start A Business In New Zealand (2026 Updated)
Starting a business in New Zealand can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming. You’ve got the idea, the motivation, and maybe even your first customers lined up - but then the “legal...
6 January 2025
Bringing On Interns? Here’s Why You Need An Internship Agreement. (2026 Updated)
Hiring an intern can be a win-win. You get extra hands (and fresh ideas), and they get real-world experience that helps launch a career. But there’s a catch: internships sit in a...
6 January 2025
What Are The Differences Between Executive And Non-Executive Directors? (2026 Updated)
If you’re running a company (or about to set one up), director roles can feel confusing fast. You might hear people talk about “executive” directors, “non-executive” directors, “independent” directors, and even “shadow”...
6 January 2025
Starting A Business In The Pet Industry (2026 Updated)
The pet industry in New Zealand is full of opportunity. Whether you’re dreaming of opening a grooming salon, launching a premium pet treat brand, running a dog-walking service, or starting a boutique...
6 January 2025
How Many Shares Can A Company Have? (2026 Updated)
When you’re setting up (or growing) a company in New Zealand, it’s completely normal to get stuck on one deceptively simple question: how many shares can a company have? The short answer...
6 January 2025
Franchise Costs And Fees in New Zealand: A Complete Guide (2026 Updated)
Buying a franchise can feel like the best of both worlds: you’re running your own business, but you’re not starting from scratch. That said, franchising isn’t “plug and play”. The biggest surprise...
6 January 2025
How To Set Up A Subsidiary Company (2026 Updated)
If your business is growing (or you’re planning for growth), setting up a subsidiary company can be a smart way to expand into new markets, manage risk, or separate different parts of...
6 January 2025
Can A Holding Company Be Liable For Its Subsidiaries’ Debts? (2026 Updated)
If you’re thinking about setting up a holding company structure in New Zealand, you’re probably doing it for a sensible reason: to separate risk, keep things organised, and protect the wider group...
6 January 2025
What Is A Special Purpose Company Constitution? (2026 Updated)
Sometimes a “standard” company setup just isn’t enough. If you’re starting a venture with a specific mission (like a social enterprise), ring-fencing a project, dealing with investors, or trying to lock in...
6 January 2025
Assigning A Lease - How A Deed Of Assignment Works (2026 Updated)
If you’re selling your business, moving premises, or restructuring how you operate, your lease can quickly become the “make or break” detail in the deal. In many commercial tenancies, you can’t just...
6 January 2025
I’m A Startup Founder: When Can I Start Paying Myself? (2026 Updated)
You’ve incorporated your startup, you’re working long hours, and you’re probably covering a few business costs out of your own pocket. So it’s a totally fair question: when can you start paying...
6 January 2025
Discretionary Trusts: What You Need To Know (2026 Updated)
If you’re building wealth, running a business, or buying property in New Zealand, you’ve probably heard someone say “set up a trust” as if it’s a magic shield. The reality is a...
6 January 2025
What Is A Sales Agency Agreement? (2026 Updated)
If you’re growing your business and want to sell more without hiring a full internal sales team, using a sales agent can be a smart (and scalable) move. But before anyone starts...
6 January 2025
Starting A Medicinal Cannabis Business In New Zealand: A Legal And Practical Guide (2026 Updated)
Medicinal cannabis is one of those industries that’s genuinely exciting to build in - but it’s also one where the legal details really matter. Whether you’re looking to cultivate, manufacture, import, distribute,...
6 January 2025
What Is Unlimited Liability In Business? (2026 Updated)
When you’re starting (or growing) a business, it’s easy to focus on the exciting parts - finding customers, building your brand, getting your first sale. But the legal “behind the scenes” choices...
6 January 2025
Can I Go Into Business With A Foreign Partner? (2026 Updated)
Teaming up with a business partner overseas can be a huge advantage. You might bring local market knowledge and networks in New Zealand, while they bring capital, specialised skills, manufacturing capability, or...
6 January 2025
How To Avoid CV Fraud (2026 Updated)
Hiring should feel exciting - you’re bringing someone new into your business, your culture, and your day-to-day operations. But there’s a less exciting reality: CV fraud is common, and it can be...
6 January 2025
Franchise Fees In New Zealand: A Complete Guide (2026 Updated)
Buying into a franchise can feel like the best of both worlds: you get a proven brand, systems, training and (usually) a roadmap for how to operate. But before you sign anything,...
6 January 2025
Preparing For A Capital Raise (2026 Updated)
Raising capital can be a game-changer for your business - whether you’re hiring faster, building product, expanding into new markets, or finally getting the runway you need to execute properly. But investors...
6 January 2025
Do I Need A Social Enterprise Constitution? (2026 Updated)
Running a social enterprise is a balancing act. You’re trying to create real-world impact and keep the business commercially sustainable - often while dealing with funding, stakeholders, customers, and a growing team....
6 January 2025
What Is A Share Subscription Letter And When Do I Need It? (2026 Updated)
Raising money is exciting - but the paperwork can feel like a speed bump, especially if you’re bringing investors in for the first time. A share subscription letter (sometimes called a “share...
6 January 2025
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