New Law related to Directors’ Residential Addresses

New Companies (Address Information) Amendment Act allows directors who have safety concerns to substitute their residential address.

On 18 November 2025, the Companies (Address Information) Amendment Act was signed into law. This Act amends the Companies Act 1993 by allowing company directors to remove their residential address from public view on the Companies Register where the director has concerns that the public availability of their residential address is likely to result in physical or mental harm to them or a person who lives with them. 

What the Act does

The Act allows a director’s residential address to be replaced with a specified alternative address where the director makes an application (in a specified format) that: 

  • includes a statutory declaration confirming that public availability of their residential address is likely to result in physical or mental harm to themselves or someone they live with  
  • provides an alternative address that is not the company’s registered office or address for service and must not be a postal centre or document exchange
  • includes payment of any prescribed fee (if set).

Directors applying to remove their residential address will need to provide an alternative address at which they may be served, ensuring they are contactable and accountable. 

When Will It Take Effect?

Although the Act has passed, it is not yet in force. It will commence either by Order in Council or, at the latest, on 18 November 2026—the one-year anniversary of Royal assent. 

Next Steps

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) will issue further guidance and communications for directors in the new year.

Directors interested in this law change should monitor updates from MBIE and check for information on the Companies Register website. 

For further information on the Companies (Address Information) Amendment Act 2025: 

 

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