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New Zealand law explained for everyone

Electricity Industry Act 2010

Separation of distribution from certain generation - Enforcement and general provisions - Application of other Acts

94: Substance matters, not form

You could also call this:

“Focus on what things mean, not just how they look”

When you’re trying to understand this part of the law or Schedule 2, you should focus on what things really mean and how they work, not just how they look on paper. It’s like when you’re playing a game - the rules are what’s important, not how fancy the game board looks.

You need to think about what’s actually happening, what it means for people, and how it affects money and business. Don’t get distracted by how something is written or presented. It’s like looking at the inside of a toy to see how it works, rather than just looking at its shiny outside.

Remember, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, not just how things appear on the surface. This helps make sure the law is fair and works properly for everyone.

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This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM2634492.

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Part 3 Separation of distribution from certain generation
Enforcement and general provisions: Application of other Acts

94Substance matters, not form

  1. Any question under this Part or Schedule 2 is to be determined according to the nature, substance, and economic effect of the interest or relationship or other facts, and independently of form.

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Notes
  • Section 94: amended, on , by section 36 of the Electricity Industry Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 46).