The CA ANZ Tax Conference, for over 30 years, has been the go-to event for tax professionals, delivering crucial updates and invaluable insights. This year’s theme, “Tax – Focusing on the Future,” underscores the critical role of taxation as the primary source of government revenue.

A gathering of minds

Scheduled for 21-22 November in Wellington and streamed online, the conference will showcase sessions led by top tax experts, academics, and key government officials. Designed for professionals across accounting, legal, public, and academic sectors, this event provides an unparalleled opportunity for networking.

The conference will commence with an address from the Minister of Finance, setting the stage for two days of discussion and knowledge sharing over a wide range of taxation and related business topics.

Key highlights

The conference will feature several plenary sessions, including:

Taxation – Looking to the future

This session will tackle the pressing challenges facing New Zealand’s public finance system over the next 50 years. Dominick Stephens, Deputy Secretary and Chief Economic Adviser at The Treasury, Felicity Barker, Policy Lead - Economics at Inland Revenue, and Phil Whittington, Chief Economist at Inland Revenue, will discuss the pressures on superannuation and health expenditure due to an ageing population, and the potential fiscal impacts of climate change. The session will evaluate how well suited our tax system is to adapt to these trends and explore considerations for a robust tax system for the future.

Land sale rules: A long-term view

On the 50th anniversary of the land sale rules, Michael Turner FCA, Partner at Polson Higgs, and Peter Frawley, Policy Lead at Inland Revenue, will reflect on the history and current state of these rules. They will assess whether the existing rules are still fit for purpose and discuss whether they can be improved to provide a coherent framework for the taxation of land sales.

Australian tax update

Lynda Brumm CA, Managing Director at PwC Australia and Deputy Chair of CA ANZ Australian Tax Committee, will address the range of new tax issues that investors into Australia have to deal with. Topics will include the strengthened foreign investment framework, new interest limitation rules, and proposed changes to the foreign resident capital gains tax regime.

Economic outlook and future challenges

Kelly Eckhold, Chief Economist at Westpac New Zealand, will comment on the new Zealand’s economic outlook, providing global context, and will discuss implications for interest rates, exchange rates, and key business focus areas for the coming year.

Implications of NZ's climate obligations

James Shaw, Operating Partner at Morrisons, will explore New Zealand’s commitments to reduce pollution and the steps needed. The session will discuss the consequences for New Zealand of failing to meet its international climate commitments and the role of businesses in driving change.

World influences on the business landscape

Bruce Cotterill, an experienced leader of strategy, will address the complex crises facing New Zealand. He will propose strategic solutions for guiding the country towards a brighter future, considering the advantages of New Zealand’s geographical position.

Diverse streamed sessions

The conference will also feature concurrent sessions on a diverse range of taxation related topics, including:

• Tax treaty update: Latest developments in international tax treaties.
• Tax litigation: Insights into recent cases and trends.
• Transfer pricing: Practical perspectives from practitioners.
• M&A trends and practices: Current trends and best practices in mergers and acquisitions.
• Trusts: Updates on trust disclosures in its second year.
• Inland Revenue compliance strategy: How they plan to tackle non-compliance.
• Equity for all: Examination of employee share scheme taxation.
• Rural sector tax update: Specific tax issues affecting the rural sector.
• GST update: A look into the future of GST in 2025.

Beyond the sessions, the conference offers an excellent platform for connecting with like-minded professionals, fostering collaboration, and sharing experiences.

Don’t miss this chance to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing world of taxation. Register now for the CA ANZ Tax Conference 2024 and be part of shaping the future of tax.