Company directors concerned about the public availability of their residential addresses will soon have a new way to protect their personal information, following the introduction of regulations that complete New Zealand's new director address privacy regime.

Currently, directors' residential addresses are publicly accessible through the Companies Register. This has raised longstanding privacy and safety concerns, particularly for directors who may face threats, harassment or other risks as a result of their role.

Changes to the Companies Act 1993, introduced in November 2025, establish a process for eligible directors to apply to have their residential addresses withheld from public view and replaced with an alternative address.

The Companies Act 1993 (Address Information) Amendment Regulations 2026, made on 28 September 2026 and coming into force on 18 November 2026 (along with the changes to the Act mentioned above), prescribe the information required to support these applications.

How will the new protections work?

Directors who believe that publication of their residential address is likely to result in physical or mental harm to themselves or someone they live with can apply to the Registrar of Companies to have that address removed from public view.

To qualify, an applicant must:

• Apply to the Registrar using the prescribed application form.
• Provide a statutory declaration confirming that publication of their residential address is likely to result in physical or mental harm to them or a person residing with them.
• Provide an alternative address to appear on the Companies Register in place of their residential address.

Importantly, the legislation expressly allows a law firm's address to be used as the alternative address, providing a practical option for directors who do not wish to disclose another personal address. However, neither the company's own registered office/address for service, nor a Private Bag, PO Box or DX service can be used.

The protections also extend to the residential address of a shareholder, but only if the shareholder is also an eligible director or resides with an eligible director. Residential address information of other shareholders remains publicly accessible.

What does this mean for directors?

The changes are a welcome step towards balancing corporate transparency with personal privacy and safety.

While the Companies Register serves an important role in providing information about companies and their directors, the public disclosure of residential addresses can create unnecessary risks in some circumstances.

The new regime provides a mechanism for directors facing those risks to protect their residential information without removing the requirement for companies to maintain appropriate records or undermining the broader transparency of the register.

However, the protections are not automatic. Directors must apply and satisfy the statutory requirements, including making a formal declaration about the potential for harm. The changes do not provide a general right for all directors to keep their residential addresses private. The focus on directors with safety or security concerns reflects the approach taken by the Electoral Commission when determining whether an individual may be registered on the unpublished electoral roll, although the Electoral Commission requires supporting information whereas this director address regime requires a statutory declaration.

Preparing for the changes

With the regulations taking effect on 18 November 2026, directors who have concerns about the public availability of their residential addresses should consider whether they may qualify for protection.

This includes reviewing the information currently displayed on the Companies Register, considering whether the statutory threshold for an application is met (address availability is "likely to result in physical or mental harm") and identifying a suitable alternative address.

The Companies Office application process is expected to become available as the new regulations take effect.

If you are concerned about the publication of your residential address or would like advice on applying for protection under the new regime, contact our Corporate and Commercial team. We can advise on the eligibility requirements, assist with the application process and discuss appropriate arrangements for an alternative address. Our Auckland or Christchurch offices may also be able to serve as your alternative address.