What is the difference between a founder, director and shareholder?

What is the difference between a founder, director and shareholder?
(Image: Getty)
Georgina Toomey
In New Zealand's dynamic business environment, business owners need to understand the key roles or “hats” they may wear as founders of their business. The terms "founder", "director", and "shareholder" are often used interchangeably. However, each role has distinct responsibilities with different legal obligations and entitlements. This article explains the differences between a founder, director, and shareholder in the context of NZ business.FoundersThe "founder" is the individual or...

More Law & Regulation

Co-operative Bank, ComCom agree penalty fee
Finance

Co-operative Bank, ComCom agree penalty fee

The bank is silent on the penalty amount it and the Commerce Commission are aligned on.

Amendment may create a fast-track to judicial reviews
Property

Amendment may create a fast-track to judicial reviews

How a fix to speed up projects could send more to court instead.

Commerce commission takes Mobil NZ to High Court
Law & Regulation

Commerce commission takes Mobil NZ to High Court

The Commerce Commission has initiated legal action against Mobil New Zealand, alleging that the company's pricing methods violate the Fuel Industry Act 2020.ComCom has filed proceedings in the High Court, claiming two ongoing breaches of the act, it said in a statement. The f...

BD AI 25 Nov 2025
Minerals royalties fall 40% as Govt orders review
Primary Sector

Minerals royalties fall 40% as Govt orders review

Govt’s cut from oil and gas slumps in line with production. 

Ian Llewellyn 25 Nov 2025