Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements (in New Zealand Dollars ($000’s)

3 Significant accounting policies Cont’d

The recoverable amount of the Group’s receivables carried at amortised cost is calculated as the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate (i.e. the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition of these financial assets). Receivables with a short duration are not discounted.

(ii) Non-financial assets

The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets, other than investment property, are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated.

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable asset group that generates cash flows that are largely independent from other assets and groups. Impairment losses are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro rata basis.

The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indication that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

(h) Employee benefits

Short-term benefits

Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is provided.

(i) Revenue

(i) Investment income

Investment income comprises interest income on funds invested, dividend income, gains on the disposal of available-for-sale financial assets, changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, foreign currency gains, and gains on hedging instruments that are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Interest income is recognised as it accrues, using the effective interest method. Dividend income is recognised on the date that the Group’s right to receive payment is established, which in the case of quoted securities is the ex-dividend date.

(ii) Rental income

Rental income from investment property is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives granted are recognised as an integral part of the total rental income, over the term of the lease.

(j) Lease payments

Payments made under operating leases are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease.

Minimum lease payments made under finance leases are apportioned between the finance expense and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance expense is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

(k) Finance expenses

Finance expenses comprise interest expense on foreign currency losses, changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, impairment losses recognised on financial assets (except for trade receivables), losses on the disposal of available-for-sale financial assets, and losses on hedging instruments that are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.