Commerce 

Govt wants feedback on regulation of franchising

16.08.2008

Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel today released a discussion document inviting those in the franchise sector to comment on whether franchising in New Zealand needs its own regulatory framework or whether the current voluntary regime offers sufficient protections.

"I was actively involved in meeting with franchisees at the beginning of the year who had been caught up in what is an alleged fraud and still subject to investigation by the relevant authorities including the Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ).

"I have initiated this review to se...  more +

Negative licensing of insolvency practitioners sought

13.08.2008

Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel today announced Cabinet's decision to introduce a new negative licensing system for the insolvency profession today, saying it is the final step in the review of the personal and corporate insolvency laws.

Lianne Dalziel says the new system is designed to provide creditors with assurance that insolvency practitioners are competent to undertake this specialised work and capable of maximising returns from financially distressed businesses.

"Negative licensing, which is a light-handed regulator...  more +

Govt supports Commissioner of Financial Advisers plan

12.08.2008

The government is backing the establishment of a Commissioner of Financial Advisers who will be a member of the Securities Commission, as suggested in a second interim report issued by the Select Committee considering two Bills to regulate financial advisors and institutions.

Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel said the commissioner would have a statutory responsibility to engage with industry to develop a code of conduct and to establish a disciplinary body.

"I'm confident that this approach will ensure that we have the strength of central supervision, without lo...  more +

ACI NZ Finance Sector Forum

21.08.2008

Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel's address to the Australian Compliance Institute New Zealand Inaugural Finance Sector Forum.

Martin Tolar, thank you for the opportunity to address your conference this morning. In the programme it is stated that "in the current environment of regulatory reform, New Zealand's finance sector faces the challenge to be fully prepared for change. Understanding regulatory impact is key for co...  more +