Can an Australian resident be a local director of a New Zealand company?

If you are a non-resident looking to establish a company in New Zealand, you may not need a director who lives in New Zealand. An Australian resident can satisfy the New Zealand resident director requirement, providing an alternative for overseas business owners who do not have a local director available in New Zealand. 

Can an Australian resident be a local director in New Zealand?

An Australian resident can become a local director of a New Zealand company without living in New Zealand. If the New Zealand company has no director living in New Zealand but has one or more directors living in Australia, at least one Australian-resident director must also be a director of an Australian company. 

During the New Zealand company registration process, the Australian company’s Australian Company Number (ACN) must be provided. The relevant Australian company details must also be kept up to date on the New Zealand Companies Register. 

When can an Australian resident not become a New Zealand company director?

Living in Australia and being a director of an Australian company does not automatically make a person eligible to become a director of a New Zealand company. An Australian resident may be unable to act as a New Zealand company director if he is:

• An undischarged bankrupt.

• Under 18 years of age.

• Banned from participating in company management under relevant New Zealand legislation.

• Prohibited from acting as a company director under New Zealand law.

• Subject to certain Australian prohibitions that prevent him from acting as a director, promoter or participating in the management of a company.

• Convicted of certain dishonesty offences in the last five years, which can result in a prohibition on acting as a director.

• Subject to other statutory restrictions or court orders that affect his eligibility to hold a directorship. 

These restrictions apply to Australian residents seeking to use the Australian resident director pathway for a New Zealand company. The Companies Act 1993 establishes the eligibility and disqualification rules for New Zealand company directors. 

How is an Australian resident appointed as a New Zealand local director?

An Australian resident who meets the eligibility requirements can be formally appointed as a director of a New Zealand company. The appointment generally requires shareholder approval and must follow any additional requirements set out in the company’s constitution or shareholders’ agreement. 

The proposed local director must also:

• Provide written consent to act as a resident director.

• Confirm that he is not disqualified from becoming a company director under the Companies Act 1993.

• Meet any additional appointment requirements contained in the company’s constitution or shareholders’ agreement. 

Responsibilities of an Australian resident director of a New Zealand company

Under New Zealand company law, an Australian resident director appointed to a New Zealand company has legal duties and responsibilities. Being based in Australia does not remove or reduce these bligations. 

The Australian resident director must properly carry out the following responsibilities:

• Acting in good faith and in the best interests of the New Zealand company.

• Using his powers as a director appropriately and for the benefit of the company.

• Complying with the Companies Act 1993 and other applicable New Zealand laws.

• Considering the company’s financial position and taking reasonable steps to ensure the New Zealand company can meet its debts and obligations.

• Exercising reasonable care and skill when making decisions and performing director duties.

• Considering the interests of creditors, particularly when the New Zealand company is experiencing financial difficulties. 

An Australian resident who accepts a directorship of a New Zealand company should therefore understand that the appointment carries genuine legal responsibilities. Failure to meet these duties or acting dishonestly may result in personal liability, penalties or other legal consequences under New Zealand law. 

Need a resident director for your New Zealand business expansion?

If you are a non-resident establishing a company in New Zealand and do not have an eligible resident available to act as your local director, ABN Australia can help. Our Resident Director Service provides access to an Australian resident director who can meet the New Zealand resident director requirement, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria. 

We can assist with the appointment and ongoing compliance requirements, giving overseas business owners a practical solution for establishing and maintaining their New Zealand company. Contact ABN Australia to discuss our Resident Director Service.

Last updated: 21st Aug 2026

About the Author

Ro Elvinia is ABN Australia's Customer Success and Marketing Manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, majoring in journalism, and also has an academic background in civil engineering. With over a decade of experience in professional writing and a background spanning journalism, Australian immigration, and business services, Ro brings a unique mix of communication and analytical expertise. She works closely with international clients and contributes to ABN Australia's content strategy, helping global businesses stay informed and confident as they navigate the Australian market.