Business Law Library & Tracker
Directors' Duties & Governance
Board decisions, conflicts, care, company interests and director exposure.
Sources last reviewed 28 July 2026
Main law guides
157
Acts, regulations and codes worth reading first
Topics
60
Plain-English clusters
Published case explainers
96
Selected cases with a business lesson
Tracked updates
8
New, amended & reviewed
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.
Get legal helpMain laws
Main lawNew Zealand
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996
1996 No 30
PriorityIn force8 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Environment, Waste & PollutionRegulatory ComplianceWorkplace Health & SafetyDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesEnvironmental Consents & WasteTransport, Shipping & LogisticsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsTelecommunications, Media & ContentStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009
2009 No 35
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Finance, Payments & SecurityRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceRecords, Reporting & Notifications
Main lawNew Zealand
Companies Act 1993
1993 No 105
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Companies & StartupsDirectors' Duties & GovernanceShareholders & Company Control
Main lawNew Zealand
Incorporated Societies Act 2022
2022 No 12
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Not-for-Profits & CharitiesRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member Governance
Main lawNew Zealand
KiwiSaver Act 2006
2006 No 40
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceFinance, Payments & SecurityWages, Leave & PayrollDirectors' Duties & GovernanceRecords, Reporting & Notifications
Main lawNew Zealand
Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006
2006 No 74
PriorityIn force8 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Construction & TradesRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsWorkplace Investigations & MisconductStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
Receiverships Act 1993
1993 No 122
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Insolvency & RestructuringFinance, Payments & SecurityDirectors' Duties & GovernanceFinancial Services, Credit & Payments
Main lawNew Zealand
Insolvency Act 2006
2006 No 55
PriorityIn force12 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Insolvency & RestructuringRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringDebt Recovery, Guarantees & SecurityConstruction Contracts & PaymentTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawNew Zealand
Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001
2001 No 93
PriorityIn force8 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
Wine Act 2003
2003 No 114
PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Food & Product ComplianceRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceProduct Safety, Labelling & RecallsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsRecords, Reporting & NotificationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997
1997 No 87
PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Food & Product ComplianceRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesAgriculture, Farming & Rural BusinessHealthcare & Regulated ProfessionsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsAnimals, Food & Agricultural Products
Main lawNew Zealand
Civil Aviation Act 2023
2023 No 10
PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsRecords, Reporting & NotificationsFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsInsurance Policies & ClaimsHealthcare & Regulated ProfessionsTransport, Shipping & LogisticsHospitality, Alcohol & GamblingStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
Medicines Act 1981
1981 No 118
PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Food & Product ComplianceRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsProduct Safety, Labelling & RecallsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesHealthcare & Regulated ProfessionsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
National Animal Identification and Tracing Act 2012
2012 No 2
PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Food & Product ComplianceRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesAgriculture, Farming & Rural BusinessTransport, Shipping & LogisticsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
Real Estate Agents Act 2008
2008 No 66
PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceBusiness Sales & AcquisitionsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsWorkplace Investigations & Misconduct
Main lawNew Zealand
Radiation Safety Act 2016
2016 No 6
PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceContractors & Worker StatusDirectors' Duties & GovernanceData Breaches & CybersecurityLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesEnvironmental Consents & WasteImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawNew Zealand
Maritime Transport Act 1994
1994 No 104
PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesTransport, Shipping & Logistics
Main lawNew Zealand
Road User Charges Act 2012
2012 No 1
PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Finance, Payments & SecurityRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsRecords, Reporting & NotificationsTransport, Shipping & Logistics
Main lawNew Zealand
Land Transport Act 1998
1998 No 110
PriorityIn force14 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesTransport, Shipping & LogisticsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawNew Zealand
Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989
1989 No 18
PriorityIn force8 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawNew Zealand
Charitable Trusts Act 1957
1957 No 18
PriorityIn force8 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Not-for-Profits & CharitiesRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceBusiness Identity, Registers & FilingsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
Corporations (Investigation and Management) Act 1989
1989 No 11
PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Insolvency & RestructuringRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Main lawNew Zealand
Deposit Takers Act 2023
2023 No 35
PriorityIn force15 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Finance, Payments & SecurityRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
Financial Reporting Act 2013
2013 No 101
PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Companies & StartupsRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringRecords, Reporting & NotificationsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
Kiwifruit Industry Restructuring Act 1999
1999 No 95
PriorityIn force5 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsAnimals, Food & Agricultural Products
Main lawNew Zealand
Major Events Management Act 2007
2007 No 35
PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceTransport, Shipping & LogisticsTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawNew Zealand
Maori Trust Boards Act 1955
1955 No 37
PriorityIn force8 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Not-for-Profits & CharitiesRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
New Zealand Business Number Act 2016
2016 No 16
PriorityIn force5 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Digital & EcommerceRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsBusiness Identity, Registers & FilingsDigital Identity & Electronic Transactions
Main lawNew Zealand
Registered Architects Act 2005
2005 No 38
PriorityIn force9 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Construction & TradesRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsWorkplace Investigations & MisconductStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
Social Workers Registration Act 2003
2003 No 17
PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesWorkplace Investigations & Misconduct
Main lawNew Zealand
Climate Change Response Act 2002
2002 No 40
PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Environment, Waste & PollutionRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsEnvironmental Consents & WasteAgriculture, Farming & Rural BusinessNatural Hazards, Climate & Resilience
Main lawNew Zealand
Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001
2001 No 51
PriorityIn force9 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Consumer Law & TradingRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesAgriculture, Farming & Rural BusinessImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsTelecommunications, Media & ContentAnimals, Food & Agricultural Products
Main lawNew Zealand
Ship Registration Act 1992
1992 No 89
PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringDebt Recovery, Guarantees & SecurityLicences, Permits & RegistrationsFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsTransport, Shipping & Logistics
Main lawNew Zealand
Unit Titles Act 2010
2010 No 22
PriorityIn force8 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Commercial Leases & PropertyRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceShareholders & Company ControlDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsInsurance Policies & Claims
Main lawNew Zealand
Co-operative Companies Act 1996
1996 No 24
PriorityIn force8 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Companies & StartupsRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceShareholders & Company ControlLicences, Permits & RegistrationsAgriculture, Farming & Rural Business
Main lawNew Zealand
Digital Identity Services Trust Framework Act 2023
2023 No 13
PriorityIn force6 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Digital & EcommerceRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesDigital Identity & Electronic TransactionsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
Financial Markets Authority Act 2011
2011 No 5
PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsRecords, Reporting & NotificationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawNew Zealand
Valuers Act 1948
1948 No 63
PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Finance, Payments & SecurityRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesWorkplace Investigations & Misconduct
Main lawNew Zealand
Wildlife Act 1953
1953 No 31
PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Environment, Waste & PollutionRegulatory ComplianceContractors & Worker StatusDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsRecords, Reporting & NotificationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesTransport, Shipping & LogisticsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawNew Zealand
Insolvency Practitioners Regulation Act 2019
2019 No 29
PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Insolvency & RestructuringRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceShareholders & Company ControlLiquidation & RestructuringLicences, Permits & RegistrationsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsWorkplace Investigations & Misconduct
Cases
Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 13329 June 2026
Chen v Wei
Company directors must ensure their businesses comply with employment standards, including paying employees their full entitlements. If a company cannot meet its...
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsPayroll Deductions & Minimum StandardsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 5625 Mar 2026
Edgecumbe Supermarket v Petersen
Employers must ensure that employment agreements are clear, that they follow proper procedures when addressing employee concerns or disciplinary matters, and that...
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesWorkplace Health & SafetyDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsWorkplace Investigations & MisconductPayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards
Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 1001 Jan 2026
Halse & Anor v Hamilton City Council
If your business settles an employment dispute through MBIE mediation, do not treat the record of settlement as a one-off document that fades away with time. In...
Employment & WorkplaceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesTelecommunications, Media & Content
Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 981 Jan 2026
Healey v Health New Zealand
The practical lesson is procedural. An employee does not need to say "I am raising a personal grievance" for a grievance to be raised. If their communications,...
Employment & WorkplaceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesWorkplace Health & SafetyDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesHealthcare & Regulated Professions
Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 1376 July 2026
LMN v STC
LMN v STC shows that New Zealand employers must get consent before contacting employee references and must process sick leave correctly when medical certificates...
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesWorkplace Health & SafetyDirectors' Duties & GovernanceHealthcare & Regulated Professions
Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 861 Jan 2026
St Arnaud Alpine Store 2019 Ltd v Labour Inspector
For business owners, the durable lesson is about exposure rather than legal technicalities. If payroll, hours, leave, breaks and records are not properly managed, a...
Employment & WorkplaceWages, Leave & PayrollDirectors' Duties & GovernanceShareholders & Company ControlTelecommunications, Media & ContentPayroll Deductions & Minimum StandardsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 694 Apr 2025
Bread of Life Christian Church in Auckland v Chen
Bread of Life Christian Church in Auckland v Chen confirms that employment law applies to religious and charitable organisations when they employ staff. The courts...
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member Governance
Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 217 Jan 2024
Young v Port of Tauranga Ltd
Employers must comply with government vaccination orders and apply them fairly to affected roles. If an employee claims an exemption, the employer should check its...
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Employment Court of New Zealand[2024] NZEmpC 18127 Sept 2024
Ford v Henry Brown and Co Ltd
Ford v Henry Brown and Co Ltd is a reminder that employers must be proactive and transparent during recruitment and dismissal. If you do not ask direct questions...
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesWorkplace Health & SafetyDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesWorkplace Investigations & Misconduct
Employment Court of New Zealand[2024] NZEmpC 22622 Nov 2024
Glenfield College BOT & Ors v Anderson
This case underscores that employers must handle reductions in employee hours with care. Even if a collective agreement contains provisions about hours, unilateral...
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceEmployment Contracts & PoliciesWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial Action
Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 8916 June 2023
A Labour Inspector of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment v Prisha’s Hospitality (2017) Ltd T/A Royal Cambridge Indian Restaurant
Employers must strictly comply with minimum employment standards, including paying at least minimum wage, providing proper holiday and leave entitlements, and...
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDirectors' Duties & GovernanceShareholders & Company ControlDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsMigrant Workers & Labour HirePayroll Deductions & Minimum StandardsHospitality, Alcohol & GamblingStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 16227 Sept 2023
Birthing Centre Ltd v Matsas
Employers must carefully follow employment law requirements when making decisions that affect employees' jobs, such as redundancies or closures. This includes...
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 18126 Oct 2023
Henderson Travels Ltd v Kaur
Employers must ensure redundancies are based on legitimate business needs and not used as a pretext for other actions, such as pressuring employees for personal...
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernancePayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards
Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 15821 Sept 2023
Turner v Te Whatu Ora
Employers can justify dismissal for serious misconduct arising from social media posts if those posts damage the organisation’s reputation or breach codes of...
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesTelecommunications, Media & ContentEquality, Discrimination & AccessibilityWorkplace Investigations & MisconductStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 3914 Mar 2023
Wilson-Grange Investments v Guerra
This case shows that small businesses cannot unilaterally reduce staff hours or wages, even in tough times like pandemic lockdowns. Employment agreements must be...
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsWorkplace Investigations & MisconductHospitality, Alcohol & Gambling
Supreme Court of New Zealand[2023] NZSC 11325 Aug 2023
Yan v Mainzeal Property and Construction Ltd (in liquidation)
Directors of a group company need evidence that promised support is real, sufficient and available when required. Comfort from a shareholder or related company is...
Companies & StartupsInsolvency & RestructuringConstruction & TradesDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceShareholders & Company ControlLiquidation & RestructuringDebt Recovery, Guarantees & Security
Supreme Court of New Zealand[2020] NZSC 10024 Sept 2020
Debut Homes Ltd (in liquidation) v Cooper
A controlled wind-down still needs a lawful creditor plan. Directors should not keep trading merely because completion may improve the net position if the plan...
Companies & StartupsInsolvency & RestructuringDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringDebt Recovery, Guarantees & SecurityTelecommunications, Media & Content
Supreme Court of New Zealand[2019] NZSC 12614 Nov 2019
Riki Scott Steen Walls v Ulsterman Holdings Limited (In Liquidation)
The practical lesson is direct. If you are served with court proceedings, especially by liquidators, do not wait for a second warning. In this case, the defendant...
Insolvency & RestructuringDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceShareholders & Company ControlLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Supreme Court of New Zealand[2017] NZSC 17522 Nov 2017
Anna Elizabeth Osborne and Sonya Lynne Rockhouse v Worksafe New Zealand
Keep two tracks separate after a serious workplace event. One track is victim support, compensation, apologies and practical assistance. The other is the...
Regulatory ComplianceContractors & Worker StatusDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesWorkplace Health & SafetyDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsInsurance Policies & Claims
Supreme Court of New Zealand[2013] NZSC 15622 Dec 2013
BFSL 2007 Ltd & Ors (In Liquidation) v Steigrad
If your business buys D&O or similar liability cover, do not assume the policy limit will be freely available both to defend the claim and to pay any eventual...
Directors' Duties & GovernanceShareholders & Company ControlLiquidation & RestructuringDebt Recovery, Guarantees & SecurityDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsInsurance Policies & Claims