SPCS

SOCIETY FOR PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY STANDARDS INC.

Compliance with Companies Act 1993: Filing Annual Returns on time

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Directors of all New Zealand registered companies must file an annual return with the Companies Office each year as required by the Companies Act 1993 [see S. 214] – it is an offence not to comply with this [see S. 374(2)]

If an annual return is not filed by the due date, the company risks being removed from the register as the Registrar may be satisfied that the company has ceased to carry on business.

Exception

A company is not required to file an annual return in the calendar year of its incorporation.  For example, if a company is incorporated in 2010, its first annual return will be due in 2011.

Annual return reminder system  [From the Companies Office website]

First reminder

We will send you a reminder via email on the 1st working day of the month that the annual return is due.  You should make sure that the email address we have recorded for your address for communication is kept up to date.

For example, if your annual return is due to be filed during the month of August, we will send your first reminder on 1 August (or the next working day if the 1st is not a working day).

Second reminder

We are also introducing an extra reminder for clients.  If you have not already filed your annual return by the 3rd week of the filing month, we will send you an extra reminder.

Final reminder

If you don’t file your annual return during the filing month, we will send you a third and final reminder.  We will send that final reminder approximately one week after the return was due.

References:

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0105/latest/DLM321131.html

http://www.business.govt.nz/companies/learn-about/annual-returns/when-to-file

http://www.business.govt.nz/companies/learn-about/annual-returns/annual-return-reminders

Example | If your annual return is due to be filed in May 2015, you will receive the following reminders:

  • First reminder– sent on 1 May 2015 (or the next working day if the 1st is not a working day).
  • Second reminder– sent in the third week of May if the annual return has not been filed.
  • Final reminder– sent approximately one week after the annual return is deemed overdue. You will still able to file your annual return, even if it is overdue – but you should do this as quickly as possible to avoid steps being taken to remove the company from the register.

Lecretia Seales did not get her dying wish – High Court decision issued

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Lecretia Seales did not get her dying wish.

Only Parliament can change the law to reflect her wishes, Justice David Collins said.

The judgment from the High Court at Wellington explains Seales’ doctor would have been at risk of being prosecuted for either murder or manslaughter if she administered a fatal drug to Seales, intending to kill her.

The judgment also explains Seales’ doctor would be at risk of being prosecuted with assisting suicide if she provided Seales with a fatal drug, intending Seales take that drug and if Seales died as a consequence.

The provisions of the Crimes Act are not inconsistent with the Bill of Rights, Collins said.

He conveyed his deepest condolences to her husband, family and friends.

Seales would have learned of the outcome on Tuesday, the judgment reveals.

“I cannot declare that Ms Seales’ doctor would be acting lawfully if she administered a fatal drug to Ms Seales within the terms sought.

“Nor can I declare that it would be lawful for Ms Seales’ doctor to provide her with a fatal drug knowing that Ms Seales intended to use that drug to end her own life and did so.”

“Because Ms Seales’ health is rapidly deteriorating, I informed the parties of this aspect of my decision on 2 June 2015.”

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/69112451/lecretia-seales-did-not-have-right-to-die-high-court-rules

Link to High Court Ruling

Scottish assisted suicide bill defeated

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A Bill proposing to introduce assisted suicide in Scotland has been defeated at Holyrood by 82 votes to 36.

The Bill, which was taken over by Patrick Harvey MSP following the death of Margo McDonald, had its first stage reading in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday (27th May).

The legislation purported to allow those over the age of 16 with terminal or life-shortening illnesses to end their lives with the assistance of another person, known as a “licensed facilitator.”……………….

Strong opposition

The Bill was also opposed strongly by disability groups representing young children and dementia patients, as well as doctors, the British Medical Association, the Royal College of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, the Faculty of Advocates and the Equality and Human Rights Commission:

Full Story published 29/05/15

http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/end-of-life/scottish-assisted-suicide-bill-defeated

Slavery on NZ seas: rape, bonded labour and abuse widespread on fishing boats

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Indonesian fishermen working on boats in New Zealand waters face slave-like conditions, violence and sexual abuse, a report says.

The Auckland University research, based on interviews with 300 fishermen, found they were forced to work days on end, with shifts ranging from 16 to 53 hours for as little as 49 cents an hour. They faced physical violence and debt entrapment.

Full story:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/68739974/slavery-on-nz-seas-rape-bonded-labour-and-abuse-widespread-on-fishing-boats

Lecretia Seales’ assisted dying case at top of slippery slope, opponents say

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Opponents of Lecretia Seales’ court case to clarify the law on doctor-assisted death say it would be the start of a slippery slope if she were to succeed.

The terminally ill Wellington lawyer’s application begins in the High Court at Wellington on Monday.

Treatment of her brain tumour has ended and she is having palliative care, but believes that might not continue to meet her needs. She wants the option of having her doctor help her to die if her suffering is intolerable.

That option would likely give her a longer, more peaceful life than if her only way to end suffering was to take her own life while still able to do so unaided, her claim says.

Seales, 42, says the court case is about her and her circumstances only.

The attorney-general, who is the defendant in the case, disagrees and so does an interest group, Care Alliance, which has been allowed a limited say in Seales’ case.

Solicitor-General Mike Heron, QC, representing the attorney-general, said if Seales’ claim were accepted, it would have implications well beyond her case and would apply to all who have a terminal illness and think their suffering is intolerable.

“The attorney-general’s position is that the conventional understanding of the Crimes Act – which precludes physician-assisted dying – must continue to apply unless and until it is altered by Parliament.”

Care Alliance says that, if Seales is successful, overseas experience suggests it would be the start of a slippery slope that would put vulnerable lives at risk. [Read more…]