An insolvency expert says company liquidations aren't as high as during 2008's Global Financial Crisis

Data from the Companies Office shows there were two and a half thousand liquidations last year - the highest since 2014.

Company receiverships are also the highest they've been since 2012, at 186.

BWA Insolvency's principal Bryan Williams says the IRD liquidating companies with unpaid tax is a driver.

He says the IRD seems to have a policy of pay your taxes or your company dies - and he thinks that's appropriate.