Staying ahead of change – Legal update for directors

Overview

Join Anderson Lloyd partners Anne McLeod MInstD and Sarah Simmers MInstD for a timely legal update on recent and upcoming legislation directly impacting Directors.

In this session, you will hear about: 

• Changes to Directors' duties:  The recent amendment to the Companies Act, proposed future changes and the Law Commission’s review of the duties and potential liabilities of Directors. 
• Upcoming corporate governance reforms:  Upcoming amendments to the Companies Act including insolvency law changes.  
•  Other legislation directly impacting Directors:  Including the first criminal prosecution of a Director for cartel conduct, upcoming CCCFA changes removing personal liability for Directors and mandatory climate-related disclosures.  
  
  

Anne McLeod

MInstD

Anne McLeod is a highly experienced corporate and commercial lawyer and a longstanding partner at Anderson Lloyd, having been with the firm since 1999. She advises on complex mergers, acquisitions, divestments, and capital transactions, with particular expertise in the hospitality sector. Anne has led significant deals, including the sale of Southern Hospitality and the acquisitions of Sofitel Queenstown and Rydges Wellington—work that contributed to her team winning Mid-Market Deal of the Year at the 2022 New Zealand Law Awards.

She is known for her collaborative, pragmatic approach and her ability to navigate complex commercial, financing, and regulatory environments. Anne also advises listed companies on Financial Markets Conduct Act compliance and capital raising, and works closely with insolvency practitioners on restructuring matters.

A member of the Institute of Directors, Anne is also a director of Port Otago Limited and Chalmers Properties Limited, and has been recognised as an NZ Lawyer Elite Woman.

Sarah Simmers

MInstD

Sarah Simmers is a Partner in the corporate and commercial team at Anderson Lloyd, having joined the firm in 2002 and been appointed Partner in 2008. She advises on a broad range of commercial matters, with particular expertise in procurement, competition law, consumer finance, and insolvency.

Sarah has extensive experience supporting both public and private sector clients, including advising on large-scale procurement processes, complex transactions, and regulatory compliance. Her recent work includes advising on significant renewable energy developments, local authority waste and procurement contracts, and governance and structural matters for cooperative and health sector organisations.

Recognised for her pragmatic and solutions-focused approach, Sarah is also a trusted advisor on compliance under key legislation, including the Commerce Act, Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act, and Fair Trading Act.

Sarah is a member of the Institute of Directors and is actively involved in governance and community roles, alongside contributing to legal education and professional development within New Zealand.

 

Additional information

Should you have any dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.

By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our event terms and conditions.

Branch event cancellation policy

Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event.  See our standard terms and conditions for more information.

Contact

Michelle Branford
Otago Southland Branch Manager

+64 20 4183 5664
michelle.branford@iod.org.nz

Our sponsors

The Otago Southland Branch acknowledges the generous support of