Help Starting and Structuring a Business.

Legal Advice on Business Structures

The way your business is structured affects how you manage risk, meet legal obligations and plan for growth. We help business owners and directors choose and set up structures that fit their goals and protect their interests.

Why Structure Matters

The right business structure influences how your organisation operates day to day and how decisions are made. It affects:

• Risk management and liability

• Compliance with company law and good governance requirements

• Flexibility for growth or succession planning

• Governance, decision making and reporting

We explain your options clearly so you can make informed choices and move forward with confidence.

What We Advise On

We assist with:

• Company formation and incorporation

• Shareholder and partnership agreements

• Joint ventures and collaborative structures

• Trust ownership and asset protection

• Director duties and responsibilities

• Business name and registration requirements

Our advice is tailored to your goals, whether you are starting a new business, restructuring an existing one or planning for long-term growth.

Practical, Tailored Advice

Our advice is:

• Clear and relevant to your industry

• Focused on your current stage of business

• Grounded in commercial experience and practical outcomes

Where We Work

Our commercial law team is based in Wellington, Lower Hutt and Masterton. We assist business owners and directors across the Wellington region, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and throughout New Zealand.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Business Structures

What business structures are available in New Zealand?

The most common options are sole trader, partnership, company and trust. Each has different rules about ownership, liability and reporting. We explain how each structure works and help you decide which best fits your business goals and level of risk.

What are the benefits of registering a company?

Registering a company creates a separate legal entity under the Companies Act 1993. This limits personal liability so the company, not its owners, is generally responsible for its debts. A registered company can continue trading even if ownership changes, making it easier to bring in new investors or sell the business. It can also appear more credible to customers, lenders and suppliers. We help you register correctly and understand your ongoing obligations.

How is a partnership different from a company?

In a partnership, the partners are personally responsible for the debts of the business. In a company, liability is usually limited to the capital invested. We explain how these differences affect risk, decision making and long-term growth.

When should a trust be used in a business structure?

A trust can hold shares or business assets to protect them from personal risk or to plan for succession. Trusts can also assist with estate and asset planning if managed properly. We advise on when a trust is appropriate and how to maintain compliance with trust law.

Can I change my business structure later?

Yes. Businesses often start as sole traders or partnerships and later move to a company or trust structure as they grow. We assist with restructuring to ensure a smooth transition that maintains compliance and protects existing assets.