Insights & Articles

A Will is one of the most important documents you can put in place to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and to make things easier for your loved ones. While free Wills, online templates and DIY Will kits may reduce upfront costs, they can overlook important legal requirements, family circumstances and asset ownership issues. Mistakes such as incorrect signing, missing executors or incomplete provisions can lead to delays, increased costs and additional stress for family members. Professional legal advice helps ensure your Will is valid, comprehensive and able to achieve your intended outcomes. McVeagh Fleming's estate planning lawyers can provide tailored advice based on your individual circumstances.

As AI tools become more common in the workplace, employers need to manage privacy, employment, confidentiality, and copyright risks while ensuring appropriate human oversight and clear workplace policies.

In today’s challenging economic climate, family trusts remain a valuable tool for protecting assets and managing risk. While tax benefits are now limited, their key advantages include separating ownership from personal liabilities, safeguarding assets from creditors, and supporting relationship and intergenerational planning. However, trusts must be properly structured and actively managed to remain effective, particularly under increasing legal scrutiny.

Unpaid debts and commercial disputes can quickly disrupt cash flow and business relationships. Whether you're seeking payment or responding to a claim, understanding your legal position early can help you resolve the issue efficiently, minimise costs and protect your commercial interests.

This article explains the main debt recovery options available in New Zealand. It outlines what to do before taking legal action, when to use the Disputes Tribunal, District Court, High Court, or a statutory demand, and what happens if a debtor does not pay. It also explains key time limits, enforcement options, and practical factors to consider when deciding how to recover a debt.

Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) are becoming increasingly important in New Zealand as dementia rates rise and more people face a loss of decision-making capacity. An EPA allows you to choose trusted individuals to manage your personal care, medical needs, and finances if you are unable to do so yourself. Without one, families may need to go through costly and time-consuming court processes. Setting up an EPA early ensures your wishes are respected, reduces stress for loved ones, and provides greater certainty for the future.

It is easy to assume that if something happens to you or a loved one, your family will simply sort everything out. But if you die without a valid will in New Zealand, the law decides how your estate is dealt with. This is known as dying intestate. For many families, this can create added stress, delay, and uncertainty at an already difficult time. Instead of your wishes guiding what happens, legal rules determine who can manage your estate and who may receive your assets.

Public holidays around Easter and ANZAC Day can present challenges for employers, particularly for retail and hospitality businesses affected by shop trading restrictions. With Easter and ANZAC Day right around the corner, now is a good time to remind businesses what they should be aware of when planning for Easter and ANZAC public holidays.

Most of us recognise the importance of certain life admin tasks: you need a valid passport to travel, house insurance for your mortgage, and a driver’s licence to get behind the wheel. In the same way, having a Will isn’t optional; it’s essential. Yet many people still put it off, thinking they’re too young, too busy, or that everything will “automatically” go to their loved ones anyway. Unfortunately, that isn’t always how things work.

Choosing the right executor is one of the most important decisions you will make when preparing your Will. The person you appoint can significantly influence how smoothly the estate administration process unfolds. Who you choose truly shapes the course of the administration and the experience for your loved ones.

With less than three months remaining before the 5 April 2026 deadline, growing concern is emerging that many sports clubs and community organisations across New Zealand may be unintentionally heading towards dissolution.

When reviewing a property title, you may notice a reference to Section 72 of the Building Act 2004, or in some cases, its predecessor under the Building Act 1991. While it can look like a routine technical notation, a Section 72 notice is anything but minor. It signals that the land is affected by a known natural hazard and can have far-reaching consequences for property owners, buyers, developers, lenders, and insurers alike.