Business Set Up Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on business set up for new zealand businesses.
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
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
A discretionary trust can give you flexibility for family wealth and business succession, but only if the deed, trustees and records are set up properly.
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
Yes, you can apply online to become a medicinal cannabis grower in NZ, but you need approval before planting. Here are the licences, contracts and steps to plan.
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
How To Register And Operate A Foreign Company In New Zealand (2026 Updated)
Expanding into New Zealand can be a smart move - stable markets, a straightforward regulatory environment, and a strong reputation for doing business well. But before you start signing contracts, hiring staff,...
6 January 2025
What Is The Difference Between A Charity And A Social Enterprise? (2026 Updated)
If you’re building a purpose-driven organisation in New Zealand, you’ve probably heard people use “charity” and “social enterprise” like they mean the same thing. They don’t. Both can do amazing work, but...
6 January 2025
How To Start A Food Truck Business In NZ
Starting a food truck in NZ? You will usually need Food Act registration, council or event approvals, and clear contracts before you trade.
6 January 2025
Legal Advice On Whether To Lend Money To A Friend’s Business (2026 Updated)
Lending money to a friend’s business can feel like a win-win. You’re helping someone you trust, and you might even earn interest or support a business you genuinely believe in. But when...
6 January 2025
I Have A Unit Trust: Do I Need A Unitholders Agreement? (2026 Updated)
If you’ve set up a unit trust (or you’re about to), you’ve probably realised it’s a great structure for holding assets and managing ownership between multiple people. But once money goes in,...
6 January 2025
Do Startup Founders Need Official Contracts? (2026 Updated)
When you’re building a startup, it’s tempting to keep everything “lightweight” at the start. You might be working with a co-founder you trust, a developer you found through a friend, or your...
6 January 2025
Trade Marks – What Are They And Why Do We Need Them? (2026 Updated)
Your brand is often the first thing customers notice. It’s the name on your website, the logo on your packaging, the handle on your social media, and the “thing” people recommend to...
6 January 2025
How To Sell At A Market Stall: NZ Checklist
Selling at a market stall in NZ? Here is the practical legal checklist for food, alcohol, pricing, refunds, privacy, setup and first-day planning.
6 January 2025
How To Start A Childcare Business: NZ Checklist
Starting a childcare business in NZ? Get the key steps on ECE licensing, setup costs, staffing, privacy, parent terms and launch planning.
6 January 2025
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