One of the most common private and business ownership structures in New Zealand, is a discretionary trust.

The use of Trust structures for property investors is widespread in New Zealand as Trusts are popular and versatile structures with many benefits such as tax minimisation and asset protection.

Most Trusts we establish are Discretionary Trusts, meaning that what each beneficiary receives is not fixed in the Trust Deed, but is at the discretion of the Trustees.

We have set up and currently manage over 350 Trusts. We utilise internal resources and, where necessary, external law firms to set up and support our clients as required in this area.

Corporate Trustee

In the majority of property investment Trusts we create, we ustilise a Corporate Trustee. A Corporate Trustee is a Company which sole purpose is to act as the Trustee of a Trust.

The Directors are the day to day managers. However, the shareholders have the power of appointment of the Director and must approve transactions. In this way, the shareholders act as Trustees of the Trust.

Essentially, the Corporate Trustee company will simply be the vehicle for the persons who would otherwise be the Trustees personally.