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ATAINZ is one of only three IRD approved Advisor groups in New Zealand. The following three organisations have received approved advisor group status to date:

• The Accountants and Tax Agents Institute of New Zealand
• The New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants
• CPA Australia

These groups are approved by the Commissioner, and are required to follow a code of conduct. ATAINZ meet requirements under section 20B(5) of the Tax Administration Act 1994.

What is an approved advisor group?

An “approved advisor group” is defined in section 20B(5) as a group that includes natural persons who meet all of the following requirements. They:

• have a significant function of giving advice on the operation and effect of tax laws
• are subject to a professional code of conduct in giving that advice.
• are subject to a disciplinary process that enforces compliance with the code of conduct

The group must be approved by the Commissioner before a tax advisor who is subject to an approved advisor group’s code of conduct and disciplinary procedures can claim the right of non-disclosure on behalf of a taxpayer. The Commissioner will exercise his power of approval at a high level of delegated authority having regard to the statutory requirements and such other relevant considerations as may be applicable.

All ATAINZ Members must comply with a Code of Ethics, which covers four main areas:

• Integrity
• Trust and confidence
• Standards of service
• Professional conduct