New Companies Register privacy law a step forward – but more to do

The Institute of Directors (IoD) welcomes the unanimous passage of the Companies (Address Information) Amendment Bill – a long-overdue step towards protecting directors and their families from targeted harm. However, further changes are needed to make the process more accessible.

Once the Bill receives Royal Assent, company directors will be able to apply to have their residential addresses withheld from the public Companies Register if publishing that information could pose a threat to their safety.

The change had been a long time coming, says IoD Chief Executive Kirsten Patterson, MNZM, CMInstD.

“As we have said many times, directors must be able to serve without fear for their safety, or for the safety of their families. This is something we have strongly advocated for on behalf of the governance community over many years and to successive governments. It is gratifying to see the Bill passed with support across the political spectrum.

“I congratulate Parliament for coming together on a Bill that will have a positive impact at every level of the governance community – from large, listed companies to charities and not-for-profits that are companies.

“Directors lead organisations that shape New Zealand’s economy and communities. They deserve to be kept safe in this era of easy access to online personal information that can be used to intimidate, threaten or harm.”

The IoD will continue to advocate for improvements to how the Bill is applied. 

Under the new law, directors must make a declaration about the risk of physical or mental harm before applying to have their address withheld. The IoD is urging the Government to adopt an administrative process that allows directors to remove their addresses without needing to prove harm.

There is still uncertainty about how the new process will be implemented. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has yet to confirm the timeframe or administrative details.

The IoD will continue to engage with officials on implementation and will update members as information becomes available.