Dave Ananth – Tax Barrister & IRD Specialist (Auckland, New Zealand)
DAVE ANANTH
Student loan lawyer, tax negotiator & former IRD prosecutor
35+ Years in Tax Law, IRD Investigations & Commercial Advice
Dave Ananth is a senior Auckland-based Tax Barrister and Special Counsel at Stace Hammond Lawyers, specialising in IRD disputes, tax audits, investigations, penalties, GST, commercial litigation, and student loan enforcement issues. With more than three decades of legal, prosecutorial, judicial, and Big-Four experience across New Zealand and Malaysia, he brings deep insight into how tax, regulatory, and enforcement systems operate behind the scenes.
Clients turn to Dave when they need calm, strategic, and highly technical guidance — particularly in high-stakes matters involving the IRD.
How Dave Can Help You
- IRD audits, tax disputes & negotiations
- Tax debt, penalties, late payments & remission applications
- GST issues, refunds, fraud allegations & reassessments
- Investigations & white-collar matters involving evidence and regulatory breaches
- Commercial litigation including fraud, dishonesty, contract and shareholder disputes
- Student loan arrears, penalties, overseas-based issues & IRD enforcement
- Cross-border advisory work (New Zealand–Asia) for investors, companies, and professionals
Why Clients Choose Dave
35+ years of tax, commercial, and regulatory expertise
- Former Magistrate, IRD Prosecutor, and IRD Adjudicator
- Former EY Director with Asia-Pacific GST and technical experience
- Deep understanding of IRD processes, investigations, and enforcement
- Skilled in managing complex, evidence-heavy disputes
- Fast, clear communication and upfront fee structures
- Offers pro bono assistance in exceptional circumstances
- Approachable, calm, and easy to work with — clients value his steady presence, clear explanations, and ability to simplify stressful legal issues
Dave’s Background – A Career Built Across Courts, Government & Big-Four Consulting
A Judicial Foundation
Dave began his practice in New Zealand before expanding into Malaysia, where in 1991 he was appointed a First-Class Magistrate. He presided over civil and criminal matters in the Magistrates’ Courts, gaining deep expertise in evidential assessment, courtroom procedure, and delivering decisions in high-stakes environments.
Specialist Litigation Leadership
In 2001, Dave became Managing Partner of Ananth & Partners, a boutique firm focused on commercial crime litigation. His work covered complex matters including:
- forgery and fraud
- cheating and dishonesty
- environmental and customs offences
- tax-related offences
This period sharpened his ability to navigate intricate fact patterns and high-risk commercial disputes.
Government Prosecution & Tax Expertise
Returning to New Zealand in 2008, Dave served as a Solicitor/Prosecutor with Inland Revenue until 2013. His responsibilities included:
- prosecuting GST fraud and tax evasion
- assessing evidential sufficiency under the Crimes Act and Tax Administration Act
- preparing charges and legal opinions
- working closely with investigators and intelligence teams
- issuing GST and taxation rulings as an IRD Adjudicator
These years cemented his reputation as one of New Zealand’s most experienced practitioners in evidence-driven tax matters.
Big-Four Advisory
From 2014 to 2017, Dave served as a Director at EY Malaysia, where he led GST and regulatory projects for multinational clients while continuing to assist organisations in New Zealand.
Barrister – Auckland
Since 2013, Dave has practised as a Barrister in Auckland, focusing on taxation, commercial disputes, regulatory compliance, and complex fact-heavy matters.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS / COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLES
NEW ZEALAND
- Admitted as Barrister & Solicitor of New Zealand High Court 1989.
- Special Counsel at Stace Hammond Lawyers
- President – New Zealand Malaysian Business Association (NZMBA)
- Honorary Advisor (ASEAN Region) – Auckland Business Chamber
- Layperson Member – NZ Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal
- Expert Panel Member – Ethnic Advisory Panel, Indian Newslink
- New Zealand Associate Director for the Consortium of Malaysian Universities.
- Former Member of Criminal Law Committee, Auckland District Law Society
- Former Member of Malaysia New Zealand Business Council
- Strategic Partner For Pacific Islands 2016-2018.
- Trustee - Atmabhav (atmabhav.org.nz)
- Former Trustee of the Manurewa Community Trust
- List Item
MALAYSIA
- Consultant and writer for Wolters Kluwer Malaysia for their general tax policy 2018
- Former Member of Malaysian Bar (Advocate & Solicitor)
- Former Member of Asian Law Association of Malaysia
- Former Committee Member of Criminal Law Malaysian Bar
- Former member – Judicial & Legal Officers Association Malaysia