As professional service providers, Gilligan Sheppard is invited to play a role in many of our client’s lives, by assisting them to resolve business and family issues. Many of these situations with our clients are delicate and memorable, and we count ourselves lucky be a part of their journey. Reminiscing on these experiences has given […]

After five weeks of level-four lockdown, followed by seven weeks of level-three, I was asked to write an article for our newsletter. To be honest, I couldn’t summon enough positive energy to write something encouraging or cheerful. Nor could I pretend to know more than anyone else on how to cope with the current situation. […]

Quite often, a company holding a family business may need to improve its ownership structure; this can mean transferring shares from ‘individuals’ into ‘trusts’. Common situations where this occurs: Succession planning – when the controlling individuals bring family members together in an attempt to make a viable business across generations. Risk protection – when the […]

I was recently listening to the audio book ‘Game of Thrones’ and the saying “A Lannister always pays his debts.” struck me and reminded me of the incidents of two entities: both were from overseas, both engaged New Zealand professional services and both neglected to manage their debts. It was so easy walking into an office having a lengthy talk […]

The Trusts Act 2019 received royal consent in July 2019 and will come into effect after 30th January 2021. The Act codifies existing practice surrounding trusts. The key changes are: Extension of a trust’s life from 80 years to 125 years. Defined trustee duties to mandatory duties and default duties. Default duties can be contracted […]

When you visit a place like Washington DC, where the most powerful country was birthed and read the words inscribed in the Jefferson Monument: [box] “We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty and […]

Anti-Money Laundering & Countering Financing of Terrorism Act – Live Conversation Recorded conversation took place on Wednesday 23rd October 2018. From 1 October 2018, New Zealand accountants will need to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (Act). We explain this change and how it will impact the way we work […]

In my past 20 years working as an accountant, I have encountered legislation and regulations numerous times, mentioning the following terms that come with significant implications for my clients business, and personal life matters. List No 1: Live in New Zealand Ordinarily reside in New Zealand Domiciled in New Zealand Have a permanent place of […]

Ten years ago, we could not foresee, even in our wildest dreams, that one ACT would so fundamentally impact the Finance industry and later, other professional services. The Act I refer to, is the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML & CFT Act, hereafter the ACT). Due to this ACT, NZ […]

Yi Ping Ge, partner at GS, and Fui Loong Chan, lawyer from Loo & Koo, were the speakers at a property investment seminar run by the ANZ bank. Spoken in Chinese, both gave their advice from an accounting perspective and a legal perspective. The morning went well and both speakers were congratulated on their great […]