This page is general information. Final determinations, processing timeframes and decisions are at the discretion of Inland Revenue and, where applicable, the courts.
The issues overseas borrowers may face
Long periods overseas can turn an old student-loan balance into a difficult and stressful problem. Depending on the borrower’s history, the account may involve:
- Overseas interest and late-payment interest
- Missed repayment obligations and long-standing arrears
- Default status or debt-collection contact
- Inland Revenue correspondence or possible enforcement action
- Concern about travelling to or leaving New Zealand
- Uncertainty about records, balances and available options
How Dave may assist
Dave’s work begins with the facts of the individual matter. Once formally engaged through Meridian Partners, assistance may include:
- Reviewing the loan history, repayment record, interest and penalties
- Communicating with Inland Revenue on the borrower’s behalf
- Preparing remission or hardship applications where proper grounds exist
- Presenting repayment or settlement proposals supported by relevant information
- Assessing possible enforcement or border-related risks before planned travel
- Explaining Inland Revenue correspondence and the practical next steps
What early engagement can clarify
A review can establish what Inland Revenue records, what is overdue, whether formal recovery steps have begun, what information is missing, and which applications or proposals may be available. Acting early does not guarantee an outcome, but it can avoid decisions being made without the borrower’s evidence or explanation.
- The current balance and repayment history
- The status of interest, arrears and enforcement correspondence
- Information needed for a hardship or remission application
- Whether a repayment or settlement proposal is realistic
- Issues to address before any planned New Zealand travel
Experience and approach
Dave is a Tax Barrister, a Partner at Meridian Partners, and a former Inland Revenue prosecutor and adjudicator. He has more than 35 years of legal experience across New Zealand and Malaysia. His approach is confidential, practical and non-judgmental, with formal advice based on the evidence and circumstances of each client.
Preparing for an initial discussion
If available, it is useful to have your latest Inland Revenue statement, recent correspondence, a brief repayment history, your current location and any intended New Zealand travel dates. Do not email extensive financial, medical or identity documents until conflicts checks and a formal engagement are confirmed.
Practical questions
Frequently asked questions
Can Dave assist while I am overseas?
Many matters can be reviewed and progressed remotely. Whether Dave can act depends on conflicts, suitability checks and a formal Meridian Partners engagement.
Can penalties or interest be reduced?
Inland Revenue may consider remission or hardship relief where the statutory and evidential grounds are met. Inland Revenue decides whether any application or proposal is accepted.
What if I am worried about travelling to New Zealand?
Seek advice before booking or commencing travel. Dave may assess the available information and communicate with Inland Revenue where formally engaged, but no border or enforcement outcome can be guaranteed.
Is it too late if I have ignored correspondence for years?
Delay can narrow the available options, but the position can still be reviewed. Early, accurate engagement is generally preferable to further delay.
Will Inland Revenue consider my personal circumstances?
Relevant illness, hardship, family obligations, employment changes and repayment history may form part of an application or proposal when supported by appropriate evidence. Inland Revenue decides what weight to give that information.
Is the initial contact confidential?
Initial contact is handled discreetly, but you should not send extensive confidential or identity material until conflicts checks and a formal engagement are confirmed.
Discuss your circumstances
Start with an initial call
Contact does not create a lawyer–client relationship or confirm acceptance of a matter.