Dave Ananth is a partner at Meridian Partners. His practice is Student Loans and Tax Disputes, Negotiations. He acts for individuals and businesses in New Zealand and overseas on Inland Revenue matters.
Professional registration
Dave practises as Dave Ananth and is listed on the New Zealand Law Society register as Dave Namasivayam Ananth. He was admitted at Auckland High Court on 29 May 1989. View the official practising-register entry.
Relevant experience
Dave has more than 35 years’ legal experience. He is a former Inland Revenue prosecutor and a former Magistrate and Judicial Officer in Malaysia. He was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 1989 and holds an LLB.
Principal areas of work
- Student-loan repayment obligations, enforcement issues and engagement with Inland Revenue
- Tax debt, payment arrangements and applications for relief where statutory grounds exist
- GST, PAYE and income tax disputes, audits and investigations
- Crypto tax, statutory demands and Inland Revenue enforcement
- Use-of-money interest and penalty issues
- Negotiations involving businesses, directors and overseas taxpayers
Approach to matters
Dave advises on the available legal options, the supporting information required and the steps involved in engaging with Inland Revenue. Remission or relief is sought where proper statutory grounds exist. Decisions remain with Inland Revenue or the courts; no particular outcome is assured.
Media and tax-policy commentary
Dave writes and contributes to media discussions on taxation, Inland Revenue administration and student-loan policy. His wider tax commentary sits alongside the firm’s other practices in Meridian’s Articles & Media archive. DaveTax is his specialist student-loan publication and media platform; formal legal services are provided through Meridian.
Independent reporting and parliamentary reference
Dave Ananth’s work assisting overseas student-loan borrowers has been reported in national media and cited in New Zealand parliamentary debate.
- RNZ Nine to Noon, 28 October 2026: Big discounts possible for overdue student loan borrowers — an interview with Dave about overdue overseas student loans.
- New Zealand Parliament, 26 March 2026: Arena Williams referred to reported cases involving Dave’s work with overseas borrowers during debate on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2025–26, Compliance Simplification, and Remedial Measures) Bill. Read the official Hansard record (extended sitting recorded under 25 March).
- The Spinoff, 14 May 2025: Catherine McGregor reported on Dave’s assistance to overseas borrowers. Read the independent coverage.
Independent writing
Dave is the author and editor of Money & State, his independent publication on tax, debt, business, public systems and policy. The writing expresses his personal views and does not represent Meridian Partners or his public appointments.
Professional and public appointments
- Honorary Consul of Timor-Leste, Auckland, New Zealand
- Honorary Advisor, ASEAN Region, Auckland Business Chamber
- President, New Zealand Malaysian Business Association
- Layperson member, New Zealand Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal
- Expert panel member, Ethnic Advisory Panel, Indian Newslink
- Trustee, Atmabhav
Representative public engagements
Dave’s Timor-Leste engagements have included agricultural and dairy-sector introductions, discussions on financial cooperation and investment, and labour-mobility engagement under New Zealand’s RSE framework.
Direct contact
For direct contact details, see the profile above. To reach the wider firm, email info@mplaw.nz.