New Zealand and Australia has reached a free trade agreement with ten southeast Asian nations. Negotiations between The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), New Zealand and Australia have finally conclude in Free-Trade Agreements, on both goods and services. The accomplishment has been hailed as a milestone for New Zealand by Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Charles Finny. It is expected that the full details of the Free Trade Agreement between the ten nations of the ASEAN, Australia and New ... Read More

Legislation on staple stock has changed, making certain instruments be regarded as equity for the purpose of tax evaluation. According to statements issued by Finance Minister Michael Cullen and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne, the changes are aimed at preventing revenue losses arising from debt issued along side to shares in a staple stock system. Read More

Low-interest employer provided loans are set to face Fringe Benefit Tax raises in October, announced Revenue Minister Peter Dunne. While Fringe Benefit Tax is charged on any benefits and perks received by an employee, this tax rise will only target low-interest loans. The decision comes as a result of regular reviews, which aim to keep the tax rate in line with the results of the Reserve Bank's survey of first mortgage interest rates. The announced tax rise will bring the rate from its current ... Read More

The New Zealand and Australian government have reached a consensus to allow the transfer of superannuation funds belonging to New Zealanders that are held by the Australian government. The Australian government estimates that the currently hold $13 billion AUD in unclaimed superannuation funds, estimates put up to 30% of this as possibly belonging to New Zealanders who no longer reside in Australia. By current regulation there is no way to access these trans-Tasman funds until their owner is 60 years old. The scheme ... Read More