Company Authority and why it is important for you

You need to have authority over your company on this website if you want to maintain company information on the register. If nobody has authority, then your company will be out of date and you may be required to pay late fees, or your company may be removed from the register.

I already have a company, how do I get authority over it?

  1. First, you need to register as a user on the system, and be logged in.
  2. Second, you must search for your company.  When you find it, click on the company link.  Read the line under the name of the company, it will contain a link where you will request authority over the company.  Follow the link.
  3. Complete the steps, and upload a copy of the signed letter requesting authority.  If it is your own company, a director must sign the letter (a template of this letter is here).  If you are an agent, such as an accountant, lawyer or administrator (eg a company secretary), then the company must sign the letter on their letterhead (a template of this letter is here).
  4. You then submit your authority request by clicking the submit button, and the Ministry staff will approve your request if it meets the criteria.
  5. You will then receive an email from your nominated email address, confirming your authority, and you are ready to maintain your company!

Who can have company authority?

Company authority is granted to directors of the company and also certain agents such as accountants and lawyers (and if relevant, company secretaries).

File Template letter of authorisation

If you want to obtain approval of authority from the Registrar, you will need to get the company you want authority over, to complete a letter of authorisation, and you will need to scan it and upload or send it to the Registrar. A template letter for directors seeking authority is attached here.  A template letter for an agent obtaining authority from a company they administer is attached here: please note this letter must be completed by the company, as they must demonstrate that they are happy for the agent to administer their company.

Who can give or take away authority?

There are two different types of authority – one that applies to directors and another for agents.  Directors grant and take away authority from their agents.  Directors can grant and take away authority from other directors.  Agents can not revoke authority of directors.  The registrar of companies is able to give or take away authority of directors and agents, provided the appropriate evidence is provided.  In the event of a dispute over authority, an aggrieved party should first consult the registrar of companies.

How do I revoke my own authority?

If you no longer need access to company details, then you can revoke your own authority online. If you are a director of the company you can also revoke other peoples’ authority.