I sold shares and made a profit, is this taxable?

Whether a gain on the sale of shares is taxable depends on the specific facts, under the Income Tax Act 2007, and there is no simple, universal exemption. If you acquired the shares with the dominant purpose of disposal, or if you are in the business of dealing in shares, or if certain other specific provisions apply, such as those relating to portfolio investment or foreign investment funds for shares in overseas companies exceeding a threshold, the gain can be taxable. If shares were acquired as a long-term investment without the purpose of resale, and none of the specific taxing provisions apply, a capital gain may not be taxable, but establishing your purpose and intention at the time of purchase is a factual question that Inland Revenue can scrutinise, especially if you trade frequently. Keep records of your investment rationale and consult an accountant familiar with investment taxation, since foreign shares often have separate rules under the foreign investment fund regime.