Link Market Services Ltd 
  
  
 
 
Frequently Asked Questions

We have placed in this section some frequently asked questions to assist you in understanding the services provided by this web site.

We aim to keep these explanations as simple as possible, but if your query requires more detailed information, please contact/email us.

You can also go to our Download Forms section and find the appropriate documentation for change requests.


Our Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the balance of my holding?

2. What is a Common Shareholder Number (CSN) and or Holder Number?

3. What is a FASTER Identification Number (FIN)?

4. My documentation has been stolen - what do I do?

5. Can you tell me if my IRD Number has been recorded?

6. How do I change my address?

7. I haven't received my dividend cheque. How can I arrange a replacement cheque?

8. I have lost my dividend cheque. How can I arrange a replacement cheque?

9. My dividend cheque(s) has gone stale. How do I get a replacement?

10. How do I change my banking instructions for dividends interest distribution payments?

11. How do I sell my shares?

12. Can I transfer my shares to someone else?

13. How do I change my name?

14. I have more than one holding, how do I consolidate my holdings?

15. How can I correct the spelling of my name on the register?

16. What happens if the bank rejects my direct credit?

17. What do I do if my dividend/interest/distribution cheque has been stolen or lost?

18. How do I change my bank account details?

19. Can I have dividends/distributions credited to someone else's bank account?

20. In which tax year do I declare my dividends?

21. What dividends have I been paid?

22. What happens to dividends I haven't received?

23. What is required if a holder dies?

24. I recently sent in some instruction forms. How can I tell if my holding has been updated?

25. Why can I update some elements of my holdings online, but have to complete a form for others?

26. How do I get information about the company I hold securities with?

27. Can minors have shareholdings?

28. What do brokers do?

29. What are my shares currently worth?

30. Where do I find information regarding my tax obligations?

31. How can I obtain annual/financial reports of a company?

32. How do I put a stop trade on a holding?

33. What are the terms and conditions of my employee share plan?

34. I am in the employee share plan and I have resigned, what happens now?

35. What are the terms and conditions of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan/Share Election Plan?

36. Does my issuer have a Dividend Reinvestment Plan?

37. How secure is the information I provide to you? Who else can view this?

38. What is a certified copy?

39. Who can I contact if I have a complaint?




Question: What is the balance of my holding?
Answer: Your most recent FASTER transaction statement(s) will give you details of your holdings. You can also find out how many securities you hold by making a holding balance enquiry. For your security, you will be asked to provide your Common Shareholder Number (or holder number), Faster Identification Number (FIN) and the registered surname (or company name).
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Question: What is a Common Shareholder Number (CSN) and or Holder Number?
Answer: All investors who purchase securities through the NZX will be allocated a CSN, which will be your common holder number across all listed securities (all the registries will hold that single number as your share holder number).
The CSN should be quoted to your sharebroker, along with your FIN when you buy and sell securities. If you do not have a CSN, you can apply for one by contacting your sharebroker.
If you are not an active investor, and simply want to dispose of your holding on a one-off basis, you do not need to apply for a CSN - the original holder number allocated to you by the registry, along with the associated FIN will be sufficient. Either your CSN or a holder number will appear on your FASTER Transaction Statements, Dividend Advices and other registry documents you may receive.

Important note - your Common Shareholder Number (CSN), Holder Number and Faster Identification Number (FIN) identify you as the owner of your securities and should be stored securely.

Holder Number or Shareholder Number: The Registry, under which you hold your securities, allocates this number to you. You will have a different number given to you from each registry, unless you apply for a CSN across all registries through a share broker. A holder number / share holder number is allocated to you when you become the owner of shares by any other means than buying them through a broker.

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Question: What is a FASTER Identification Number (FIN)?
Answer: FIN Number: This is a four-digit number, similar to your PIN on your bankcard. You will need to quote your FIN number to your broker when you trade (buy or sell) your securities. It should be stored in a secure place and not be divulged for any other purpose than trading your shares.

If you are unable to locate your CSN/holder number, or FIN, please email LINK at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call LINK on 09 375-5998

Please be aware that for security, FIN numbers will not be disclosed over the phone by registry staff. Instead, a FIN advice will be despatched to you to your mailing address on the register.
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Question: My documentation has been stolen - what do I do?
Answer: If you think that your FASTER Securities Transaction Statement, payment advice, or FIN advice has been stolen, you should notify LINK straight away by email at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call LINK on 09 375-5998. We will assist you with an urgent replacement of your documents and we will make arrangements with you to have a new FIN issued.
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Question: Can you tell me if my IRD Number has been recorded?
Answer: To obtain this information you can email LINK at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call on 09 375-5998.
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Question: How do I change my address?
Answer: You can notify LINK of your change of address, in the following ways;

The On-line function available on this site is only applicable to Individual holders.

Joint holders and companies need to advise LINK in writing of their new address. Please ensure that all registered holders sign the document. You can download and print a Change of Address Form. from this site (see below).

Download and complete the Change of Address form from this site, and post to Link Market Services Limited P O Box 91976 Auckland Mail Centre 1030.

You will need to include the following information:

  • CSN or Holder Number
  • Full name of all shareholders
  • Old Address
  • New Address
  • Signature(s) of all shareholders


Alternatively you can send your instructions by mail or fax. NZ Post supplies free of charge, a change of address card. As New Zealand law does not yet recognise electronic signatures, we are therefore unable to accept change of address details via email.

NB: All change of address details are to be signed by all shareholders. If you are signing under a power of attorney, a certified copy of the original power of attorney must be lodged with LINK for noting (if not already noted).
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Question: I haven't received my dividend cheque. How can I arrange a replacement cheque?
Answer: Please contact LINK by email at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call on 09 375-5998 to request a cancellation and reissue of your payment.

Future payments can be banked directly into your New Zealand Bank account. Not only is payment by direct credit much more secure, it is faster - payments are credited to your account as cleared funds, allowing you to access them on payment date.

So why not update your payment instructions today!

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Question: I have lost my dividend cheque. How can I arrange a replacement cheque?
Answer: Please contact LINK by email at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call on 09 375-5998 to request a cancellation and reissue of your payment.

Future payments can be banked directly into your New Zealand bank account. Not only is payment by direct credit much more secure, it is faster - payments are credited to your account as cleared funds, allowing you to access them on payment date.

So why not update your payment instructions today!

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Question: My dividend cheque(s) has gone stale. How do I get a replacement?
Answer: Please contact LINK by email at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call on 09 375-5998 to request a cancellation and reissue of your payment.

Future payments can be banked directly into your New Zealand Bank account. Not only is payment by direct credit much more secure, it is faster - payments are credited to your account as cleared funds, allowing you to access them on payment date

So why not update your payment instructions today! Or if you have a joint holding or are a company, download, print and complete a payment instruction form. Remember all holders must sign. Post to Link Market Services Limited PO Box 91976 Auckland Mail Centre 1030

NB: If you are signing under a Power of Attorney, a certified copy of the original Power of Attorney must be lodged with LINK for noting (if not already noted).

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Question: How do I change my banking instructions for dividends interest distribution payments?
Answer: Most individual holders can change their payment instructions online. All other holders (i.e. joint holders, companies, etc.) should download, print and complete a Payment Instructions Form. Remember all holders must sign. Post to Link Market Services Limited PO Box 91976 Auckland Mail Centre 1030

NB: If you are signing under a power of attorney, a certified copy of the original power of attorney must be lodged with LINK for noting (if not already noted).

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Question: How do I sell my shares?
Answer: To sell your shares, you will need to contact your sharebroker or financial adviser. If you do not have a broker, you can obtain details of brokers in your area, via the NZX website (visit www.nzx.com and click on market participants for a list of the members of NZX member firms).

Please ensure you have your CSN or Holder Number, and your FIN (FASTER Identification Number) when you place your order to sell your shares.

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Question: Can I transfer my shares to someone else?
Answer: If you wish to transfer your shares to another party under a private arrangement, you will need to print and complete an Off-market Transfer Form.

Easy to follow instructions are attached to the Transfer form. Please ensure that all parties involved sign the transfer form and that the signatures are appropriately witnessed. You will be required to complete a transfer form for each security you wish to transfer and for each person that the shares are being transferred to.

You will need your Common Shareholder Number (CSN)/Holder Number to be stated on the transfer form. Transfers must be validly completed and signed, and must meet the issuer's conditions of transfer. When transfers have been completed please post to Link Market Services Limited P O Box 91976 Auckland Mail Centre 1030.

NB: If you are signing under a power of attorney, a certified copy of the original power of attorney must be lodged with LINK for noting (if not already noted).

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Question: How do I change my name?
Answer: Changing your name on your holding will depend upon your individual circumstances.

A change of details notification should be completed, signed correctly and accompanied by relevant supporting documentation. Supporting documentation requirements differ, depending on the reason for the change of name:

  • Change of name by marriage - We also require a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Please do not supply original.
  • Change to maiden name - if you wish to revert to your maiden name, we require a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Please do not supply original.
  • Change of name by Deed Poll - we require a certified copy of the deed poll. Please do not supply original.
  • Change of Company Name - we require a certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation. Please do not supply an original.


NB: If you are signing under a power of attorney, a certified copy of the original power of attorney must be lodged with LINK for noting (if not already noted).
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Question: I have more than one holding, how do I consolidate my holdings?
Answer: To amalgamate your holdings all holdings must have identical names, addresses, IRD numbers and /or banking instructions. If your banking instructions are different please advise correct bank account instructions for the amalgamated holding. Simply download, print and complete the Amalgamation of Holdings form, quoting your Common Shareholder Number (CSN) or Holder Number. Please nominate the Holder Number you wish to retain. When completed please post to Link Market Services Limited P O Box 91976 Auckland Mail Centre 1030.

  • The names, addresses, IRD numbers and / or banking instructions of all holdings must be identical before we can amalgamate your holdings. You can compare and amend most of these details online. Alternatively email LINK at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call on (09) 375-5998.


NB: If you are signing under a power of attorney, a certified copy of the original power of attorney must be lodged with LINK for noting (if not already noted).
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Question: How can I correct the spelling of my name on the register?
Answer: In most cases this simply requires completion of a Name Correction Request and Indemnity Form. Alternatively email LINK at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call on (09) 375-5998.

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Question: What happens if the bank rejects my direct credit?
Answer: Banks will reject direct credits if your bank account details are incorrect or your bank account has been closed. In some cases a cheque will automatically be generated when the funds are returned to the bank account of the company that has paid the dividend. It will be mailed to your current registered address shortly thereafter. You will also be asked to update your bank account details for future payments.

In other cases, you may be required to provide new direct credit details, to which the rejected payment and all future payments can be credited.
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Question: What do I do if my dividend/interest/distribution cheque has been stolen or lost?
Answer: If your cheque has been lost or stolen, please email LINK at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call on 09 375-5998 to request a cancellation and reissue of your payment (charges may apply). You will be sent a cheque cancellation and indemnity form, to complete and return.

Future payments (and in some cases, the outstanding payment) can be banked directly into your New Zealand bank account. Not only is payment by direct credit much more secure, it is faster - payments are credited to your account as cleared funds, allowing you to access them on payment date.

So why not update your payment instructions today!

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Question: How do I change my bank account details?
Answer: Most individual investors can update their bank details online.

All other investors should download, print and complete a Payment Instruction Form. Remember, all holders must sign. When completed please post to Link Market Services Limited P O Box 91976 Auckland Mail Centre 1030.

NB: If you are signing under a power of attorney, a certified copy of the original power of attorney must be lodged with LINK for noting (if not already noted).

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Question: Can I have dividends/distributions credited to someone else's bank account?
Answer: Some issuers allow dividends/interest/distributions to be paid into third-party accounts - that is, accounts with names that don't match that of the registered holder.

In all cases, the dividends/interest/distributions of joint holdings can be credited into the account of any one of the joint holders.

For information regarding a particular issuer's payment policies, please email LINK at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call LINK on 09 375-5998.
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Question: In which tax year do I declare my dividends?
Answer: Dividends must be declared in the same tax year in which they are paid. The New Zealand tax year is 1 April through to 31 March.

You will find all the payment information required to complete your annual tax return (e.g. resident withholding tax, imputed tax credits, net payment, etc.) on your payment advices.

If you have invested in a trust and have received distributions, your annual tax statement provides all the information required to complete your annual tax return.

If you are unable to locate your advices, please email us on lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call LINK on 09 375-5998 to order replacement copies (charges apply). or visit us on line. Your dividend history is also on-line.

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Question: What dividends have I been paid?
Answer: Your dividend history is available online and details the net amount paid to you.

For information regarding distributions please email LINK at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call LINK on 09 375-5998.

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Question: What happens to dividends I haven't received?
Answer: To obtain details of unpresented cheques for your shareholding please email LINK at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call LINK on 09 375-5998.

We will send out an indemnity form to be completed and returned before we can reissue you with your outstanding payments (charges will apply).

Future payments may be banked directly into your New Zealand Bank account. Not only is payment by direct credit much more secure, it's faster - payments are credited to your account as cleared funds, allowing you to access them on payment date.

So why not update your payment instructions today!
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Question: What is required if a holder dies?
Answer: When a holder dies, their assets form part of their estate. The administration of an estate can be complex, time consuming and sometimes distressing. If you are the administrator for an estate, Link Market Services Limited has created a range of services for assistance when dealing with an estate.

Our Guide to Dealing with the Security Holding of a Deceased Investor is a helpful tool for first-time administrators.

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Question: I recently sent in some instruction forms. How can I tell if my holding has been updated?
Answer: Information such as address details, payment instructions and annual report elections can be confirmed online by making a holding balance enquiry. For your security, you will be asked to provide your Common Shareholder Number (CSN) or Holder Number, Faster Identification Number (FIN), and the registered surname (or company name).

If your change request has not been affected within 7 days, please email LINK at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call LINK on 09 375-5998.

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Question: Why can I update some elements of my holdings online, but have to complete a form for others?
Answer: Link Market Services Limited takes the security of your holdings very seriously, and can only make online updates available for specific transaction types and holdings. The availability of online update is represented by the icon.

Availability is based on several factors, including industry regulations, transaction type and whether the holding is in an individual, joint or company name. If the update you require is not available online, please print, complete and sign the relevant form and forward it to us for processing of your instruction.

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Question: How do I get information about the company I hold securities with?
Answer: For information about the company in which you hold securities you can:
  • Visit the website of the company(s) in which you have your investment(s).
  • Visit the New Zealand Stock Exchange Website: www.nzx.com
  • Register for email updates - announcements, annual reports, newsletters, etc. if the company provides this information
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Question: Can minors have shareholdings?
Answer: Some issuers may specifically preclude shareholdings from registration in a minor's name. Where not specifically precluded, minors are able to hold shares in their name; however this may present several impracticalities and legal constraints. The following problems could occur:
  • The contract to purchase the securities may not be valid.
  • They may not be legally entitled to sell shares or sign any transfer out of their name.
  • They are not legally allowed to appoint a proxy or vote at meetings.
  • They are not legally allowed to appoint a proxy or vote at meetings.
  • They may not be allowed to issue instructions regarding change of address, banking requests and dividend elections.

Following are some guidelines to assist with transferring securities registered in the name of a minor:

  • Securities to be held for a minor should be registered in the name of a parent or guardian, with a designation for the minor for identification purposes. Eg Mr E Smith A/C Master Johnathon Smith.
  • To transfer the shares into the name of the parent or guardian, please complete a Minor Statement and Indemnity Form and a Transfer of Ownership Form. All forms should be submitted with a certified copy of the minor's full birth certificate or documentation that appoints you as the guardian. Please mail to Link Market Services Limited P O Box 91976 Auckland 1030.
  • If you have any questions regarding the above please email Link Market Services Limited at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservicse.com or call 09 375-5998.
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Question: What do brokers do?
Answer: Brokers provide a variety of services to their clients. Primarily, they facilitate securities trading - that is, the buying and selling of shares. If you want to buy or sell shares on market, you need to do so, via a broker.

To find a broker, visit the NZX website www.nzx.com website, or check the Yellow Pages under 'Share Brokers'.

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Question: What are my shares currently worth?
Answer: To find out the value of your shares you multiply the number of securities (holding balance) by the current market price.

Current market prices are available on the New Zealand Stock Exchange Website www.nzx.com.

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Question: Where do I find information regarding my tax obligations?
Answer: For information regarding the tax implications of share ownership, please consult your tax adviser or accountant. Alternatively, visit www.ird.govt.nz

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Question: How can I obtain annual/financial reports of a company?
Answer: Investors can elect to receive annual and other financial reports online, or by mail. You can also elect to receive the full annual report or the financial statements only. In New Zealand shareholders can not elect out of receiving an annual report. For past reports, please visit the website of the company whose annual report you wish to view.

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Question: How do I put a stop trade on a holding?
Answer: Link Market Services Limited can only place a stop trade on a holding if specifically instructed under legal authority (eg: under court order), or if documents relating to your holding have been lost or stolen. If your FIN advice has been stolen, please contact the registry immediately and they will make arrangements for a new one to be issued to you. Please email LINK at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservicse.com or call LINK on 09 375-5998.

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Question: What are the terms and conditions of my employee share plan?
Answer: For information regarding the terms and conditions of your employee share plan, please contact your share plan administrator at your place of employment.

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Question: I am in the employee share plan and I have resigned, what happens now?
Answer: For information regarding the terms and conditions of your employee share plan, please contact your share plan administrator at your place of employment.

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Question: What are the terms and conditions of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan/Share Election Plan?
Answer: Copies of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) or Share Election Plan (SEP) Rules are frequently available on the issuer's website. Alternatively, please email LINK at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call LINK on 09 375-5998.

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Question: Does my issuer have a Dividend Reinvestment Plan?
Answer: To find out if the company in which you invest offers a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP), please visit that companys website, email LINK at lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com or call LINK on 09 375-5998.

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Question: How secure is the information I provide to you? Who else can view this?
Answer: Link Market Services Limited understands that privacy is important to you. Link Market Services is subject to the requirements of Privacy Act 1993, which governs, among other things, how private sector organisations handle personal information.

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Question: What is a certified copy?
Answer: A certified copy is a copy of an original document that has been certified as a true and correct copy by a person who is authorised to witness a statutory declaration. Persons who are authorised to witness statutory declarations under the (Oaths and Declarations Act 1957), such as;

  • A Justice of the Peace
  • A solicitor of the High Court
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Question: Who can I contact if I have a complaint?
Answer: If you have a complaint regarding Link Market Services Limited, you may contact our Complaints Manager.

Our contact details are:

Phone
09 375-5998

Email
lmsenquiries@linkmarketservices.com

In writing
Complaints Manager
Link Market Services Limited,
P O Box 91976
Auckland 1030
New Zealand

By facsimile
09 375-5990

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