Requesting a removal

An application to remove a company from the register (deregistration) can be made by any one of the following:

• the board of directors, or
• a special resolution of the shareholders of the company, or
• a person outlined in the constitution as being able to make the application.

• Apply online
• What happens next?
• What will it cost?

Apply online

You can make this request online for FREE.  To do this you must be logged on to the Companies Office website as a registered user and have company authority for the company you want to deregister.

Step one | Locate the company to deregister

From the Online Services – Do It Now menu choose Apply for deregistration.

Find the company by entering some search criteria (for example, either the company name or the company number) and select the search button.

From the displayed search results select the company you want to deregister.

Step two | complete your application

1. Applicant Details - indicate who the application to deregister the company is being made by (for example, board of directors).  From the list of choices provided, if you select:
   • Board of directors - you will be required to indicate which director you are from the dropdown list that appears.
   • Shareholder resolution - you will be required to enter the name of the shareholder in the box that appears.
   • Constitution - you will be required to enter the name of the person the constitution states the application is made by in the box that appears.
2. Grounds for your application - The Companies Act 1993 (s318) allows the Registrar of Companies to deregister a company in certain circumstances.  Select one of the two grounds for deregistration using the list provided.
3. Inland Revenue has no objection - In order to deregister a company you need to have written notice from the Commissioner of Inland Revenue stating either that the Commissioner has no objection to the company being deregistered or that the company was never registered with Inland Revenue.  Contact Inland Revenue directly for a letter stating this.
   • Read more about your Inland Revenue requirements.
     
     Attach a copy of the letter provide by Inland Revenue by selecting the Browse... button.
4. Other supporting document - Attach any other supporting document by selecting the Browse... button.
   
   For example | If the application is being submitted by a shareholder authorised by special resolution to make the application, you must also submit a copy of the special resolution of shareholders under section 318(1)(d)(i) of the Companies Act 1993.
    
5. Comments - Use the comments field to provide us with any other relevant information.
6. Select the Submit button to send us your deregistration application.

What happens next?

You will receive a response via email as to the outcome of your application within five working days.

The email advises the date that public notice will be given and the date the company will be deregistered (provided no objection to the deregistration is received). 

• Read more about how we process company removals 

What will it cost?

There are no fees associated with deregistering your company with the New Zealand Companies Office.

Note | If your company is being liquidated there may be some fees associated with the distribution of your company assets.  You will need to speak to your liquidator to confirm their fees.  There will also be fees associated with an amalgamation.