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11.13 Forest ownership in New Zealand - Common structures and ownership interests
Authors: Karl AndersonPublication: NZIF Forestry Handbook, Volume Section 11 – Forestry business and investment, pp 13, Dec 2023
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: Owners of forests in New Zealand need to choose an appropriate ownership structure for their investment. There is no one size fits all approach in terms of what is an appropriate structure – this will depend on the nature of the investment and the circumstances of the investor. An investor should always seek specific advice as to the appropriate structure of their investment on a case-by-case basis. Forest owners typically conduct business in New Zealand through one of the following structures: (i) limited liability companies; i) branch offices of overseas companies; (iii) limited partnerships; or (iv) joint ventures. Alternative, less common structures (which are not covered in this article) include: sole ownership; family trusts; charitable trusts; general partnerships; and Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 structures, such as Māori Incorporations.