Everything you need to know about unclaimed money in New Zealand and how our service works.
Estimates run into the hundreds of millions of dollars across all holding agencies. Inland Revenue alone administers a substantial unclaimed money register under the Unclaimed Money Act 1971, and the Treasury holds bona vacantia funds from deregistered companies and other ownerless property. Most of it is never claimed because owners simply don't know it exists.
When a bank, insurer, employer or other organisation holds money it can't return to the owner — typically after five years of no contact — it's required to transfer it to a holding agency (usually Inland Revenue, the Treasury or Public Trust). The money is then listed on a public register and held for a limited period (20 years for IRD-held money) before it can be forfeited.
Nothing upfront — ever. We work on a pure success basis: 12.5% of any funds actually recovered for you. If we find nothing, or a claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing. Our fee is only invoiced after your funds have been paid to you by the holding agency.
Sometimes yes — if you already know the exact agency, the exact account, and have the right documentation. But most people don't know which agencies to check, what registers exist, or how to prove entitlement for older funds, estates or deregistered companies. That's where we add value: we know the registers, the processes, and the documentation requirements, and we run the whole claim for you.
Yes — this is one of our most common cases. If you're the executor or administrator of an estate, or a beneficiary, we can search for assets in the deceased person's name: bank accounts, insurance policies, superannuation, share entitlements and unclaimed estate funds. We'll guide you through the probate and claim documentation.
Not necessarily. When a company is removed from the register, its remaining assets — including bank balances — vest in the Crown (under section 324 of the Companies Act 1993) or remain held by banks and solicitors. Shareholders and directors can often apply to restore the company (under section 331) and claim those funds. We've mapped this process in detail and can run it end-to-end.
Yes. IRD holds unclaimed money for 20 years before it can be removed from the register and forfeited. Treasury vesting notices also have objection windows. If you think you or your family may be owed money, it pays to act promptly. Our investigations prioritise entries where time is running out.
It varies. Simple IRD claims can complete in weeks. Claims requiring company restoration or probate can take several months. We'll give you a realistic timeframe for your specific case during the assessment, and keep you updated throughout.
Absolutely. We comply with the Privacy Act 2020. Your personal information is used only for the purpose of your claim, never sold or shared, and you can request its deletion at any time. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Legitimate concern — and exactly why we operate differently. We never ask for upfront payments, we never handle your money, and everything is documented in a written engagement agreement under New Zealand law. A genuine recovery service will happily explain the process, show you the register entry, and let you verify everything with the holding agency directly before you sign anything. So should we. If anyone demands money upfront to "release" funds, that's a red flag — walk away.
Send us a message through the contact page with your name (or the name/business you're searching for) and any relevant history. We'll come back with a free, no-obligation assessment. If we find something claimable, we'll explain exactly what it is, what it's worth, and what's involved.