Investment regulation - New Zealand
Holding restrictions
The OIO's consent is generally required for investments by “overseas persons” in significant business assets; that is, if, as a result of the overseas person's acquisition of rights or interests in securities of a New Zealand body corporate, trust or other entity as defined in the Overseas Investment Act 2005:
- The overseas person or its associate(s) has/have a 25% or higher ownership or control interest, or an increase in an existing 25% or higher control interest in a New Zealand body corporate, trust or other entity as defined in the Overseas Investment Act 2005; and
- The value of the securities or consideration provided, or the value of the assets of the entity or the entity and its 25% or more subsidiaries, exceeds NZD 100 million. An NZD 477 million threshold applies to Australian investors.
Some New Zealand companies have specific foreign ownership restrictions that may require the investor to seek the companies' board approval of the investment.
Transfer and repatriation of capital
The transfer abroad of capital gains, dividends and interest as well as the repatriation of capital by residents or non-residents is not restricted.
Disclosure requirements
For details of the local domestic disclosure requirements, please refer to the Disclosure Requirements.