Directors and ownership

How do I find out who owns a company in New Zealand?

Updated 2026-06

The public record shows a company's shareholders and the size of their holdings. What it does not always show is the ultimate person who controls those shareholders, especially where shares are held through other companies or trusts. So you can see the legal owners, but not always the person behind them.

Key facts

  • Shareholders and their holdings are on the public record.
  • Shares held through other companies or trusts can hide the ultimate controller.
  • Following the chain of ownership is part of deeper due diligence.

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