These appointments are valuable where stakeholders appreciate the benefits of a professional and independent board member who can provide specialist skills in all of the above areas.
It is important to be aware that, despite not being involved in the day to day management of the company, directors can still be subject to prosecution, fines and even imprisonment if there are accidents or financial issues. Because of this, being a director means that there should be active engagement and commitment of time to ensure that the director’s duties are properly carried out, matters are fully considered and risks are properly managed.

New Zealand resident directors
All New Zealand incorporated are required to have at least one director who is either living in New Zealand or living in Australia and is also a director of an Australian company.
If you represent a New Zealand company that requires a New Zealand resident Director we would be happy to discuss taking on the role. In that case, one of our Directors would become a Director of the company, enabling it to comply with this requirement.
Improve governance to accelerate performance
Company Directors are just one part of company governance. As companies grow in size, demands increase from stakeholders, financiers and regulators. The design of appropriate governance structures to support business owners and operational management is therefore vital. Key points to be decided when reviewing governance matters include:
- Composition of the Board of Directors
- Reviews of Board Performance
- Advisory Board memberships
- Audit committee members
- Strategic reviews of business activities
- Reviews of Management performance and alignment to strategic objectives
Advisory board members generally operate as mentors, and may attend Board meetings as an independent advisor to a Board.

Company administration
It's not just the annual return! Any time there are changes in ownership, directorship or many other matters, Companies Act requirements must be met. The administration requirements for New Zealand incorporated companies have increased over recent years, as have Companies Office policing of those requirements and their willingness to penalise company directors for non-compliance.
Baker Tilly Staples Rodway is a safe pair of hands who currently handle company administration requirements for hundreds of companies.