4450

NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 154

28 NOVEMBER 2006

Vector Limited & Subsidiaries

Gas Distribution Activities

Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)

For the year ended 30 June 2006

Specific accounting policies

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Gas (Information Disclosure) Regulations 1997. The following specific accounting policies that materially affect the measurement of financial performance and financial position have been applied.

a) Consolidation

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are those entities controlled, directly or indirectly by the parent. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements using the purchase method of consolidation.

The effects of intra group transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial information disclosure statements.

b) Comparatives

Where a change in the presentational format of the consolidated financial information disclosure statements has been made during the period, comparative figures have been restated accordingly.

c) Acquisitions and disposals of an entity or business

Acquisition or disposal during the year

In accordance with the Gas (Information Disclosure) Regulations 1997, where an entity becomes a part of the group during the period, the results of the entity are included in the consolidated results from the commencement of the disclosure period. When an entity is acquired all identifiable assets and liabilities are recognised at their fair value from the commencement date of the disclosure period. Where an entity that is part of the group is disposed of the results for that entity are recognised from the commencement of the disclosure period up until the date of disposal. The disposal gain or loss recognised in the statement of financial performance is calculated as the difference between the sale price and the carrying amount of the identifiable assets and liabilities and related goodwill of that entity.

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Goodwill arising on acquisition of a subsidiary or associate represents the excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is amortised to the statement of financial performance on a straight line basis over the period during which benefits are expected to be derived up to a maximum of 20 years.

Goodwill arising on acquisition of the gas distribution business of NGC Holdings Limited and UnitedNetworks Limited has been allocated from the total goodwill arising from each acquisition transaction on the basis of property plant and equipment acquired.

Fees and other costs incurred in raising debt finance directly attributable to the acquisition are recognised as part of the cost of acquisition within goodwill and amortised on a straight line basis over a period of up to 20 years.

d) Income recognition

Income from the provision of gas distribution services is recognised as services are delivered. Interest income is accounted for as earned. Income from customer contributions is typically recognised on an as-invoiced or percentage of completion basis to match the conditions of the underlying contract.

e) Goods and services tax (GST)

The statement of financial performance has been prepared so that all components are stated exclusive of GST. All items in the statement of financial position are stated net of GST, with the exception of receivables and payables, which include GST invoiced.

f) Receivables

Receivables are carried at estimated realisable value after providing against debts where collection is doubtful.

g) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined on a FIFO or weighted average basis.