新西兰不断上升的公司破产正在促使对董事责任法进行审查,以更好地平衡债权人保护与企业救助。 New Zealand's rising corporate insolvencies are prompting a review of director liability laws to better balance creditor protection with business rescue.

新西兰的公司破产率是15年来最高的,促使对《公司法》,特别是第135节规定的董事职责进行审查,该节禁止有可能使债权人遭受严重损失的交易。 New Zealand is experiencing its highest corporate insolvency rate in 15 years, prompting a review of director duties under the Companies Act, particularly section 135, which prohibits trading that risks serious loss to creditors. 批评者说,其措辞含糊不清,使用 " 重大风险 " 和 " 严重损失 " 等术语,造成了不确定性,使董事们不敢作出能够挽救有生存能力的企业的决定,即使这种行动可能使债权人受益。 Critics say its vague language—using terms like “substantial risk” and “serious loss”—creates uncertainty, discouraging directors from making decisions that could rescue viable businesses, even when such actions might benefit creditors. 引人注目的案件显示,董事们可能因合理的重组努力而面临赔偿责任。 High-profile cases show directors can face liability for reasonable restructuring efforts. 与此相反,澳大利亚和美国等国利用安全港或商业判决规则来保护寻求追回的董事。 In contrast, countries like Australia and the U.S. use safe harbors or business judgment rules to protect directors pursuing recovery. 即将到来的2027年法律委员会审查可能导致改革,包括取代第135节,或采用安全港办法,通过支持商业救援,更好地平衡债权人保护。 The upcoming 2027 Law Commission review may lead to reforms, including replacing section 135 or adopting a safe harbor approach to better balance creditor protection with support for business rescue.