Date Approved: July 2018
Effective From: July 2018
Future Review Date: 2022
Application: This policy applies to all NZX listed companies.
Purpose: NZSA maintains a range of policies to positively influence the behaviour of all participants in the NZX listed company sector. These policies should be read in the context of the NZSA Policy Framework Statement.
Preamble
This policy document dates from July 2018.
1.0 Policy: Audit Rotation
1.1 Listing Rule 2.13.3(f) requires that the key audit partner is changed at least every 5 years.
1.2 We believe the Audit Firm should be changed at least after 2 lead audit partner rotations so at least every 10 years. We do not believe this is an unrealistic expectation.
1.3 We also expect companies to disclose the dates of appointment of the current key audit partner and audit firm in their Annual Report.
2.0 Commentary
2.1 It is important that the Key Audit Partner and the Audit Firm are rotated from time to time. This is to ensure;
a) Fresh eyes are bought to the audit process.
b) The Auditor is not captured by the Board, CEO and senior management.
2.2 In addition, the Board should be seeking competitive quotes for the Audit fee to ensure that whilst the process is conducted to the highest standards, the shareholders are paying a reasonable fee for the work.
.
3.0 Key Regulatory Requirements
none
References
Definitions
none.
Related Policies
Policy 10 – Audit Independence