A liquidator in New Zealand is appointed to wind up the affairs of a company that is insolvent or otherwise unable to pay its debts. Liquidators can also be appointed to solvent companies for formal closure. The liquidator's role is to realize the company's assets, distribute them to creditors, and ultimately dissolve the company.
There are key rights and powers typically granted to liquidators in New Zealand:
1. Investigation Powers: Liquidators have the authority to investigate the company's affairs, transactions, and financial records to determine the company's financial position, assets, liabilities, and any potential wrongdoing.
2. Recovery and Collection: Liquidators can recover and collect assets that are part of the company's estate, including pursuing legal actions to recover funds owed to the company.
3. Disposition of Assets: Liquidators can sell or otherwise dispose of the company's assets in order to generate funds to pay creditors. This may involve selling assets through auctions, tenders, or private sales. This can include sale of a part of the business as a going concern.
4. Avoidance Transactions: Liquidators have the power to set aside certain transactions that occurred before the liquidation if they are deemed to be "voidable transactions," such as preferences or transactions at undervalue.
5. Summon Witnesses: Liquidators can summon witnesses and require them to give evidence and produce documents relevant to the liquidation process.
6. Public Examination: Liquidators can apply to the court to have certain individuals, including directors and officers of the company, publicly examined regarding the company's affairs.
7. Distribution of Funds: Liquidators have the responsibility to distribute the realized funds to creditors in accordance with the statutory priorities.
8. Reporting: Liquidators are required to provide regular reports to the creditors and to the Official Assignee, including financial statements, investigations, and progress reports.
The rights and powers of a liquidator can vary based on the specific circumstances of the company and the applicable laws and regulations. For a solvent company much of the powers are not called upon. For an insolvent company, the circumstances will dictate what powers are used. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the rights and powers of a liquidator in New Zealand, contact one of our team.