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View/Open - Research Commons - The University of Waikato

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e seen from the wording „director believes…‟ while the use <strong>of</strong> the term<br />

„reasonable grounds…‟ indicates an objective standard. 197 In Fatupaito v<br />

Bates, 198 the director was found to have breached the duty since he was aware <strong>of</strong><br />

the company‟s insolvency and thus it would not be reasonable for him to believe<br />

that the company would be able to meet its obligation.<br />

<strong>The</strong> difference between section 135 and section 136 is that, in the former, a<br />

director would have to assess whether it is justifiable for the company to take up<br />

risks in its current financial position in an attempt to bring the company back to<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>itability. 199 Section 136, on the other hand, deals with whether the company‟s<br />

capital is sufficient for directors to believe on reasonable grounds for the<br />

company to be able to perform its obligation. 200<br />

10.4.3.2 Defences<br />

Similar to reckless trading, there are no specific defences available under section<br />

136. Directors, nevertheless, can depend on their belief on reasonable grounds<br />

that the company would be able to meet its obligation in order to escape liability.<br />

In addition, the defence under section 138 can also be used by directors to<br />

exonerate themselves.<br />

10.4.4 Duty not to Carry on the Business Fraudulently under<br />

Section 380 Companies Act 1993<br />

<strong>The</strong> wording <strong>of</strong> section 380(1) <strong>of</strong> the New Zealand Companies Act 1993 is<br />

similar to the UK section 213 <strong>of</strong> the Insolvency Act 1986 and section 993 <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Companies Act 2006. <strong>The</strong> section applies to “any person who knowingly is a<br />

party to the business with intent to defraud creditors or any other person or for a<br />

197 See also Fatupaito v Bates [2001] 3 NZLR 386 at 405.<br />

198 [2001] 3 NZLR 386.<br />

199 See also Farrar above n22 at 174.<br />

200 Ibid.<br />

274

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