Setting up your business on strong legal foundations
Our fixed-fee start-up services
We offer clear, fixed fees for common business set-up services so you know where you stand from the outset.
Company formation
Fixed fee: $600 (including GST)
We can:
Advise you on whether a company is the right structure for you
Assist with choosing and reserving a company name
Prepare and file Companies Office incorporation documents
Put in place a basic shareholders’ agreement if required (additional fee may apply)
Limited partnership
Fixed fee: $1,781.90 (including GST)
Limited partnerships can offer flexibility and tax advantages in the right situations.
Our limited partnership package includes:
Advice on whether a limited partnership is suitable for your plans
Drafting and registering the limited partnership agreement
Preparing and filing all necessary registration documents
Guidance on partner roles, contributions, and decision-making
Partnership agreement
Fixed fee: $1,500 (including GST)
If you’re going into business together as partners, a clear written partnership agreement is essential.
We can:
Advise on how profits, losses, and decision-making will be shared
Prepare a tailored partnership agreement that reflects your agreed terms
Help you consider important “what if” scenarios (such as a partner leaving or wanting to sell their interest)
Business purchase
Buying an existing business is often faster than building one from scratch – but it’s important to understand exactly what you are buying and what risks you may be taking on.
We can assist with:
Reviewing and negotiating the agreement for sale and purchase
Due diligence on the business, contracts, leases, and key risks
Assignments of leases and contracts
Settlement and completion
Business sale
If you are selling a business, you need documents and processes that protect you, manage your risk, and give the buyer confidence.
We can assist with:
Structuring the sale and preparing the agreement for sale and purchase
Negotiating key terms and warranties
Managing assignments of leases and contracts
Guiding you through to settlement and handover
A practical roadmap for starting your business
Step 1: Get the fundamentals right
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Choosing your legal structure
The legal structure you choose affects your tax position, your personal liability, and how easy it is to bring in investors or co-owners. Common structures in New Zealand include:
Sole traders
Partnerships
Limited partnerships
Companies
Trusts and company–trust combinations
Each option has advantages and disadvantages. We work with you (and your accountant, if you wish) to help you choose a structure that suits your goals, risk profile, and budget.
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To be properly recognised and compliant in New Zealand, you may need to:
Obtain a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN)
Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) (if your turnover requires it or if it is otherwise appropriate)
Obtain an IRD number for your business entity
Comply with any industry-specific licensing or regulatory requirements
We can identify what applies to you and help you through the registration process.
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Your brand, logo, and original content can be valuable business assets. Without protection, others may copy or use them.
We can help you:
Identify what intellectual property (IP) you have
Consider whether you should register trademarks or other forms of IP protection
Put in place agreements that make clear who owns IP created by employees or contractors
Taking these steps early can prevent disputes and protect the value of your business as it grows.
Step 2: Build a resilient, well-structured businessf
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Your business name is part of your identity and reputation. Before you commit to it, it’s wise to:
Check its availability on the Companies Office website (for companies and limited partnerships)
Check whether a suitable domain name is available
Consider whether the name might be confused with competitors or infringe an existing trademark
We can assist you to check availability and avoid common pitfalls.
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Insurance can protect your business if something goes wrong. Depending on your activities, you might need:
Public liability insurance
Professional indemnity insurance
Business interruption or general business insurance
We can’t give financial advice, but we can help you identify risks that may need insuring and suggest that you discuss them with a licensed insurance broker.
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Understanding your market and what makes you different is key to building a sustainable business. Market research, a clear business plan, and a realistic pricing strategy all feed into your legal decisions – for example, which contracts you need and what terms should go into them.
We work alongside your other advisers to ensure your legal documents support, rather than hinder, your business strategy.
Step 3: Looking after yourself, your clients, and your team
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Most businesses will encounter difficult clients or disputes at some stage. Clear written terms and conditions, well-drafted contracts, and a sensible complaints process can:
Reduce the risk of disputes
Provide a framework for resolving issues
Help you decide when it’s appropriate to end a business relationship
We can help you put those documents and processes in place before problems arise.
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Starting and growing a business takes energy and resilience. Taking time to acknowledge your achievements – whether that’s signing a first major client, breaking even, or hiring your first staff member – helps maintain momentum.
We aim to be a steady, supportive part of your business journey, giving you the legal backing you need so you can focus on building something you’re proud of.
Disclaimer: This article should not be relied upon for legal advice. Always seek professional legal advice before making any decisions regarding your business.