About us
The Companies Office is the government agency responsible for the administration of corporate body registers, including the Companies Register.
What is the Companies Register?
Companies with limited liability provide a framework for investment in business. They help foster confidence in businesses by governing the relationships between investors (shareholders), directors and creditors and by giving stakeholders a clearer picture of who and what they are dealing with.
A Register of Companies that records basic details about every company helps build this confidence.
The New Zealand Register of Companies is an electronic register where company information and documents can be filed and viewed online on this website.
The register is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can search the register for
- Current and historical company information
- Previous company names
- Director, shareholder or address details
- Banned or disqualified directors and managers
- Company related security interests
Register a company
- Reserve a company name
- Incorporate a company
- Search for your Business Industry Code (BIC)
- Apply for a company IRD number and register for GST
Maintain company details
Including:
- Update company, director and share details
- Change a company name
- Amend a constitution
Other services include
- Filing an annual return
- Receivership, liquidation and voluntary administration management
Further information
The Registrar of Companies
The Registrar of Companies is Neville Harris: Deputy Secretary, Business Service Branch, Ministry of Economic Development.
Enterprise
In 1996 the Companies Office introduced the first online business registry service in the world. With Enterprise, the Companies office has built a more structured IT system that allows us to apply innovations to extend and enhance the user experience.
Legislation
Companies are subject to a wide range of legislation. A summary of legislation that companies should be aware of is provided here.
Strategic plans & annual reports
View current and archived business plans, strategic plans, and annual reports of the New Zealand Companies Office.
Feedback
We welcome your opinion, if you have a moment, please take the time to complete our feedback form.
Awards
The Companies Office and its world leading online services have been recognised by a number of external organisations. Awards received are listed here.
Statistics
Find out some key statistics about the New Zealand Companies Office; including how many companies and other entities are on the Register.
ISO 9001:2008 Certification
ISO certification represents an internationally recognised standard for quality management. This ensures that the highest possible standard is reached at all times.
