ABSTRACT
There are aspects of the governance of the financial sector and other corporates in New Zealand over the last 20 years which have frankly been appalling. Directors have not only not looked after shareholders’ interests but they have impoverished some small shareholders for their own gain. People have seen their life savings wiped out. Some of the worst offenders have been convicted, but for many it has not been possible to compile a convincing case. Other cases are still before the courts. Even where the actions have not been illegal, there has been a widespread lack of regard for ethics. While it is a well-known joke that ‘business ethics’ is a paranym, actual behaviour has been far from a joke. I feel so strongly about these issues that I have tried to do something about it.
