Resources for new directors
What you need to know as a new director
Once you have registered your company there are a number of things you need to do on the Companies Register.
- Keep your company details up to date
- Complete annual returns
- Remember your RealMe® login details
- Make sure you have confirmed your authority to update the register
As a director of a registered company you have obligations to your company and shareholders, and responsibilities under the Companies Act 1993. What it means to be a good director.
If you'd like more assistance to meet the government's requirements and to help you succeed in business, there are free resources that can help. More help and resources.
Keeping your company details up to date on the Companies Register
Make sure you tell us if your company's details change, for example:
- Your company's name
- Your company addresses
- Your directors or their addresses
- Changes to the total number of shares in your company or how they're allocated, and
- Your company's constitution.
For more information read our guide on reporting to the Companies Office
Completing an annual return
Every year you need to confirm that the information about your company on the Companies Register is correct and pay a fee of $49.74 plus GST. This is called an annual return.
Completing your annual return is not the same as submitting a tax return.
Some directors may authorise another person to complete annual returns on their behalf, such as their solicitor or accountant.
Why annual returns matter
Annual returns confirm the details recorded for your company are correct. It is a legal requirement that confirms your company is still active.
Completing your annual return is not the same as submitting a tax return.
When to complete your annual return
Your first annual return is due in the calendar year after your company was first incorporated. After that your annual returns are due every year during your filing month.
For example, if your company was incorporated in 2024, your company’s first annual return will be due in 2025.
When your return is due we will send reminders by email and text (if a mobile number is provided) to your company, its directors and anyone who has confirmed authority to update your company’s details on the register.
How much time to put aside to complete an annual return
On average, it takes 10 minutes or less to complete an annual return. We encourage you to do it as soon as you receive your first reminder.
Remember your RealMe® login details
Make sure you remember the username and password you used when you first logged into the Companies Register. You will use these again any time you need to update details or complete your annual return.
Confirming your authority to update the register
To update your company’s details on the Companies Register or complete your annual returns, you must have authority to do so.
If you registered your company using your RealMe® login, we have automatically confirmed your authority.
If someone else registered your company (for example, another director or your solicitor or accountant) using their RealMe login, we will have automatically confirmed their authority. You may still need to confirm your authority before you can update any details on the register for this company.
What it means to be a good director
All companies have at least one director who handle the company’s business and affairs. Understanding director’s duties and responsibilities can help you keep your business on track.
Your responsibilities
Include three responsibilities which you can delegate.
- Update information on the Companies Register
- Keep company records
- Complete annual returns (and if applicable file financial statements).
Your duties
Include three duties which you cannot delegate.
- Act in good faith and in the best interests of the company
- Exercise a duty of care
- Trade sensibly.
More help and resources
Read the guides in our 'Help centre' to help you manage your company’s responsibilities under the Companies Act. We have information covering every stage of your company’s life cycle.
Business.govt.nz help small businesses in New Zealand understand and meet the government's requirements and to succeed. They do this by packaging content and advice from across government into tools and resources designed with small business in mind.
New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) — Every company in New Zealand has an NZBN, including yours. This is a globally unique number used to identify your business. Visit the NZBN website to learn more about what NZBN can do for you.
Other guides in
Company directors
- What it means to be a director
- Who can be a director
- Registering the appointment of a director
- Banned directors
- Updating a director's details
- Filing director and shareholder consent forms