Check if a New Zealand Company Is Active

Check if a New Zealand company is activeSearch the company by name or registration number and read its status field. On NZBN, an "active" or "registered" status means the entity is currently on the register; "dissolved", "struck off" or "liquidation" means it is not trading legally.Steps

Find the company Search by name or registration number to open the correct record.

Read the status field The status is the register's own verdict on whether the entity currently exists. Treat anything other than active/registered as a red flag before contracting.

Check the last filing date An entity can be nominally active but years behind on filings. A long gap since the last filing is a warning sign even when the status reads active.

Confirm at the source Status changes propagate from NZBN at https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz. For a decision with money attached, confirm there.

Frequently asked questionsHow do I know if a New Zealand company is still trading?The register's status field is the authoritative answer. An active/registered status on NZBN means the entity is currently on the register. It does not by itself prove the business is operating, so also check the most recent filing date.What does "dissolved" or "struck off" mean?The entity has been removed from the register and can no longer legally trade or enter into contracts. Any invoice or agreement issued under that name after removal should be treated as invalid.Is checking company status in New Zealand free?Yes — status is part of the free public record on NZBN. No account is needed.What is an NZBN?The New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) is a unique 13-digit identifier assigned to every business entity in NZ. It's designed to simplify business-to-business and business-to-government interactions by providing a single number for identification.Source: NZBNLast verified: 2026-06-01