Insights & Articles

Interesting insights on various areas of New Zealand law for individuals and businesses alike.
iPhone mockup
Learn how NZ’s new 5-year Parent Boost Visitor Visa works, who’s eligible, what it costs, and what migrant families need to know before applying.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Parent Boost Visa: What It Means for Migrant Families

New Zealand’s 5-year Parent Boost Visitor Visa allows parents and grandparents of citizens or residents to stay longer with family. Learn about eligibility, financial and health requirements, costs, and what to expect before applying.
READ MORE
Demystifying NZ cross leases: Understand shared property ownership, potential complications, and explore whether converting your cross lease to freehold.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Understanding cross lease properties: Should you convert?

Ever wondered what the term “cross lease” really means—and whether converting to freehold is worth it? Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, make changes to your property, or convert your cross lease title to freehold, it’s important to understand what this form of property ownership really means — and what your options are.
READ MORE
Learn how to navigate access issues for drainage and stormwater works across neighbouring land. Practical advice for developers and property owners.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Accessing neighbouring land for drainage works

New housing developments often require access through neighbouring private property to install drainage or stormwater infrastructure. This can present challenges for both developers and affected property owners. This article provides practical advice on how to address this situation from both respective positions.
READ MORE
New Zealand’s new immigration health policy raises concerns about inclusivity, skilled migration, and the long-term impact on families with disabled children.
This is some text inside of a div block.

NZ Immigration Health Policy: Inclusivity vs Sustainability

On 17 March 2025, New Zealand introduced stricter health requirements for dependent children of temporary visa holders — including those on work, student, and military visas. Children with severe developmental disorders or cognitive impairments requiring significant support are now ineligible for student or visitor visas, unless granted a medical waiver.
READ MORE
Auckland Immigration Lawyer - Supporting Licensed Immigration Advisers
This is some text inside of a div block.

Supporting Licensed Immigration Advisers: How McVeagh Fleming can help

If you are a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA), you work tirelessly to guide your clients through New Zealand’s complex immigration system. But when legal challenges arise, having the right support is essential. McVeagh Fleming offers tailored services to help you stay compliant, protect your practice, and navigate legal complexities with confidence.
READ MORE
Auckland Maritime Lawyer - Attention NZ Boaties: New departure rules for those planning an overseas voyage
This is some text inside of a div block.

New departure rules for those planning an overseas voyage

If you're a New Zealand yacht or boat owner planning to sail overseas, a new certification process is now in place. This change introduces new assessment steps, limited inspection locations, and strict application timeframes. With processing queues and only three approved assessment sites—Auckland, Kerikeri, and Nelson—it's crucial to start the application process at least 3 to 6 months in advance to avoid delays.
READ MORE
Auckland Property, business and contract lawyers - UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS OF PROVIDING A GUARANTEE
This is some text inside of a div block.

The risks of providing a guarantee

Providing a guarantee for someone else’s financial commitments can expose you to serious legal and financial risks. Before agreeing, ensure you understand the potential consequences - especially if you won’t directly benefit or lack full visibility and control over the obligation.
READ MORE
Active Investor Plus Visa – Announced changes. Auckland immigration lawyer perspective: the Active Investor Plus Visa (AIPV) category visa type.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Active Investor Plus Visa – Announced changes

On 9 February 2025, the Prime Minister announced changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa (AIPV) category, a visa type created to attract wealthy migrants to consider moving to New Zealand. Such visas have existed since at least 2010, but the government has seen the need to change it.
READ MORE
How to navigate the busy holiday period when making visa applications. Get help from Auckland Immigration Lawyer - Visa applications during the holiday period
This is some text inside of a div block.

Deck the halls, not the paperwork: Legal help for holiday travel

If you're traveling to New Zealand to visit loved ones this holiday season and need a visa, consider engaging a lawyer to avoid delays or complications. Many travelers rely on third-party agencies for their applications, but this often leads to costly mistakes. To help you navigate the process smoothly, we’ve prepared a guide to ensure everything is handled correctly from the start.
READ MORE
Seventh Edition Deed of Lease: Key updates for the commercial property sector — retail shops, office buildings, industrial facilities, or hospitality venues.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Seventh Edition Deed of Lease: Key updates

If you work in the commercial property sector - involving retail shops, office buildings, industrial facilities, or hospitality venues - you’ll want to know about the latest updates to the ADLS Deed of Lease ('DOL'). Released on 27 November 2024, the Seventh Edition introduces significant changes to reflect the evolving commercial landscape of the past decade.
READ MORE
How do you get divorced in New Zealand? Article from McVeagh Fleming Lawyers - Auckland-based Family & Relationship Property team
This is some text inside of a div block.

How do you get divorced in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, to legally end your marriage or civil union (divorce), you must apply to the Family Court for a Dissolution Order. Until a final order dissolving a marriage or civil union has taken effect, parties to a marriage or civil union cannot enter into another marriage or civil union.
READ MORE
Auckland Immigration Lawyer - Our top 6 tips for Partnership Visa Applications
This is some text inside of a div block.

6 tips for Partnership Visa Applications

The financial and emotional costs associated with visa applications make the stakes high. So, to help you navigate the process, we’ve compiled our top six tips for applying for partnership-based visas.
READ MORE

Subscribe to receive updates

I would like to receive updates for:
Thank you for subscribing. Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again.
Wills – Choosing the right executor

Wills – Choosing the right executor

Written by:
Emma Turnbull
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.
Read more
With weeks to go, sports clubs risk losing their incorporated status

With weeks to go, sports clubs risk losing their incorporated status

Written by:
Ben Longbottom
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.
Read more
Understanding section 72 notices on your property title

Understanding section 72 notices on your property title

Written by:
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.
Read more
Employment Relations Amendment Bill passes: 2026 reforms explained

Employment Relations Amendment Bill passes: 2026 reforms explained

The Government’s Employment Relations Amendment Bill 2025 has passed its third reading on 17 February 2026, marking the most significant shift in New Zealand’s employment law settings since 2018. Most of the changes will take effect the following day after the Bill receives the Royal Assent (expected imminently).
Read more
KiwiSaver contribution increases from April 2026 – What employers and employees need to know

KiwiSaver contribution increases from April 2026 – What employers and employees need to know

New Zealand’s KiwiSaver scheme is set for a significant adjustment on 1 April 2026, with compulsory contribution rates for both employers and employees rising from 3% to 3.5%. This change forms part of the government’s staged plan to strengthen retirement savings, with a further increase to 4% scheduled for 1 April 2028.
Read more
A new year. Legal clarity you can rely on

A new year. Legal clarity you can rely on

Written by:
The start of a new year is a natural time to reflect, reset, and plan ahead. For individuals, families, and businesses alike, clarity brings confidence. At McVeagh Fleming, our role is to provide that clarity through practical, considered legal advice that supports you at every stage of life and business.
Read more
Am I in a De Facto Relationship?

Am I in a De Facto Relationship?

Written by:
Peter Fuscic
Brydie Sherlaw-McGowan
Do you live with your significant other? Have you acquired any property together? Are you financially dependent on one another? While marriage might not be on the cards for the two of you, you may already be in a "de facto relationship" in the eyes of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (the PRA).
Read more
Your name isn’t on the house title, what can you do?

Your name isn’t on the house title, what can you do?

Written by:
Peter Fuscic
Sarah Boswell
If you live in a home with your partner but your name isn’t on the property title, you may still have legal rights. If the relationship breaks down or your partner tries to sell, this can leave you feeling worried or powerless. Learn what options you have.
Read more
Managing closedown periods under the Holidays Act – a guide for employers

Managing closedown periods under the Holidays Act – a guide for employers

Written by:
Michael Witt
With the holiday season approaching, many businesses are planning a closedown period. This guide explains what employers must do to stay compliant with the Holidays Act 2003.
Read more
PC120: What homeowners, buyers and developers need to know

PC120: What homeowners, buyers and developers need to know

Written by:
Daniel Kenyon
Natasha Rivai
Auckland Council has notified Plan Change 120 ("PC120"), a significant update to the Auckland Unitary Plan aimed at delivering housing intensification while improving resilience to natural hazards. Submissions are open until 19 December 2025, and the implications for property buyers, owners, and developers are substantial. Learn what homeowners, buyers, and developers need to know.
Read more