Case examples

Everyday examples of how the PPSR may help you.

The following case examples may help you to understand the benefits of using the PPSR, and how the process works. These examples are illustrative only, and are not based on specific cases.

Semi-retired Bruce is interested in buying a herd of alpacas he’s seen advertised by local farmer Tom Brown.

He learns that the farm is run through a company, Greengrass Ltd. Having obtained the company’s New Zealand Business Number (NZBN), he searches the PPSR for any registered interests, and finds one entry – for a motor vehicle. No security interest has been registered against the alpacas, however.

Satisfied that there is no debt attached to the livestock, Bruce is happy to proceed with the purchase.

Bonanza Boats Ltd creates luxury yachts to order for wealthy clients.

The company agrees to design and build a sleek, 60-foot cruiser for Roger, a successful entrepreneur. It is sold on the company’s standard terms, which require a deposit of 20 per cent, with the balance to be paid within 60 days of delivery.

The agreement includes a retention-of-title clause that states ‘until full and final payment is made, title remains with Bonanza Boats’.

Before the boat is completed, Bonanza Boats registers its security interest on the PPSR by completing a financing statement.

When Roger fails to make full payment for the vessel by the due date, registration on the PPSR allows the company to repossess the yacht without a hitch.

Jewellery designer Alison has for many years sold her work through a local gallery, run by sole-trader Michael.

As per the terms of the agreement, Michael sells Alison’s designs on consignment for a commission of 15 percent.

Recently, fellow artist Jonathan had suggested to Alison that she might want to register the arrangement she has with Michael on the PPSR.

Jonathan had lost some of his work the previous year when the owner of a gallery with which he’d had a similar agreement went into liquidation, and sold all the stock in his possession.

He now makes sure he is protected by registering security interests for all his artworks on the PPSR.

PrintWorks, a company offering commercial printing and copying services, arranges to lease a multi-function industrial printer from specialist manufacturer and supplier, Ink International, for a period of two years.

Before making the delivery, Ink International registers a financing statement on the PPSR. The following month, it also supplies a heavy-duty laminator on the same terms and conditions, which is added to the financing statement.

A year later, however, PrintWorks is in financial strife and its bank appoints receivers to enforce its security interest.

Despite this, Ink International is able to repossess its printer and laminator, its registration on the PPSR giving it priority in regards to the leased equipment.