BRIAN GAYNOR: Directors want more money for less work

Fri, 01 May 2020

Two virtual shareholder meetings on Wednesday, for Summerset and New Zealand Refining, raised major issues of concern. They showed that it is hard to challenge directors through these online processes, particularly as far as director fees are concerned. Shareholder questions are lodged through a moderator and it is difficult to submit immediate follow up questions when the initial answer is unsatisfactory. The other concern is that directors seem to like these virtual meetings, particularly Summerset chairman Rob Campbell, and may want to...

Unlock all stories free for 10 days

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

We won’t charge for 10 days. You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call. Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].interval) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

You will be charged in 10 days unless you cancel beforehand.
We will remind you three times before charging you.
All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Politics

Govt reshuffle: Lee demoted, Simmonds loses portfolio

Melissa Lee has been stripped of her media and communications portfolio and dropped from the cabinet, prime minister Christopher Luxon announced today.He has given Paul Goldsmith the portfolio after Lee was widely criticised over her public handling of the numerous issues facing...

Staff reporters 1:20pm

Economy