Insights & Articles

Interesting insights on various areas of New Zealand law for individuals and businesses alike.
iPhone mockup
In the intricate landscape of estate planning and the execution of wills, the selection of legally appointed executors and trustees is critical.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Will woes and family drama: will drafting, executor responsibilities, and balancing family relationships

In the intricate landscape of estate planning and the execution of wills, the selection of legally appointed executors and trustees is critical. We explore an example case, which is a real eye-opener on the wild ride of wills, family dynamics, and the not-so-simple task of divvying up the goods.
READ MORE
With the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the potential areas of litigation that have emerged globally, businesses need to consider.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Legal Landscapes Post-COVID: Navigating Global Challenges for Businesses

As the world grapples with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses face a myriad of legal challenges. From the financial strain on corporations to the nuances of insurance claims and employment law intricacies, the landscape is evolving. This article explores the potential areas of litigation that have emerged globally, shedding light on crucial aspects for businesses to consider.
READ MORE
Nikah - what this can mean for your relationship property entitlements.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Enforcing a Nikah (an Islamic marriage contract)

If you and your partner intend to enter into a nikah, it is important to consult with a lawyer to advise you of the possible effects and implications of that agreement and your property rights should you and your partner separate. If you and your partner have already separated and you have entered into a nikah, a lawyer can also advise you on what that means for your relationship property entitlements.
READ MORE
The government is extending the availability of 90-day trial periods to all employers. This is a great time to ensure your employment agreements are up to date.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Ensure your employment agreements are up to date

The Holidays Act 2003 specifically provides for annual 'customary' closedowns. There are a few rules you need to be aware of. We have set out some scenarios, and answered the most commonly asked questions.
READ MORE
In an age where time is of the essence and personal schedules are tightly packed, the reliability of transportation services is paramount.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Empowering passengers: Exploring consumer rights regarding late departures in transportation services

In an age where time is of the essence and personal schedules are tightly packed, the reliability of transportation services is paramount. Late departures by trains, buses, flights, and other means of transportation have become a common concern for consumers around the world. The rights of consumers when faced with tardy departures are not to be taken lightly.
READ MORE
There are a few rules you need to be aware of. We have set out some scenarios below, and the most commonly asked questions.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Closing down over Christmas and managing annual leave

The Holidays Act 2003 specifically provides for annual 'customary' closedowns. There are a few rules you need to be aware of. We have set out some scenarios, and answered the most commonly asked questions.
READ MORE
This article discusses the importance of property owners in New Zealand reviewing their insurance coverage, especially given widespread flood damage.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Is your property adequately insured?

This article discusses the importance of property owners in New Zealand reviewing their insurance coverage, especially in the aftermath of widespread damage caused by weather events in 2023. The focus of this article is on the often-overlooked aspects of insurance related to land and potential complications arising from natural hazards.
READ MORE
Identify key changes, review your society's rules, draft a new constitution, advice on re-registration, or organisational structure - we offer guidance.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Incorporated societies: Key changes and compliance

With approximately 24,000 incorporated societies in New Zealand, ranging from substantial business-like entities to modest sporting clubs, the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 ("New Act") influence is far-reaching. Regardless of size, all incorporated societies will be affected, so it is crucial to understand and prepare for the implications of the New Act to avoid potential consequences for non-compliance.
READ MORE
Banks are tightening their lending requirements, prompting many buyers to explore alternative options like second-tier lending. Mezzanine.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Second-Tier Lending: Understanding the Fine Print

In today's financial landscape, banks are tightening their lending requirements, prompting many buyers to explore alternative options like second-tier lending. Mezzanine financers and other last-resort money lenders can provide vital financial support, but it's crucial to approach these agreements with caution and a clear understanding of the fine print. After all, surprises are for birthdays, not loan agreements!
READ MORE
Medical incapacity of an employee is a challenge that demands a delicate balance between empathy and practicality.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Medical incapacity of an employee

Medical incapacity of an employee is a challenge that demands a delicate balance between empathy and practicality. Determining when to draw the line on a long-term illness and how long to keep a job open for a sick employee is a challenging task shaped by case law intricacies. Employers are not expected to hold a position indefinitely but they must follow a fair process before terminating an employee’s employment.
READ MORE
Protecting assets has become important for modern relationships, with the growing importance of prenuptial agreements in safeguarding individual interests.
This is some text inside of a div block.

The importance of Prenuptial Agreements has increased

Protecting assets has become an integral aspect of modern relationships, with the growing importance of prenuptial agreements for safeguarding individual interests. In June 2023, the New Zealand Supreme Court issued a significant ruling in the case of Sutton v Bell, which centered on Sections 44 and 26 of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 ("PRA"). This decision marks a pivotal shift in the interpretation of key legal provisions governing property rights in relationships.
READ MORE
If you're in the process of purchasing a property in Auckland, it's crucial to be aware of the potential limitations that may come with an agent-provided LIM.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Buyer Beware: The Limitations of Agent-Provided LIMs

Obtaining a LIM is a crucial step for prospective property buyers, but with the cost of a LIM being around $400 and with many real estate agents offering LIMs at no cost, it can be tempting to rely on their convenient provision. However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential limitations that may come with an agent-provided LIM.
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.
NZ eases foreign buyer ban for high-value home investors

NZ eases foreign buyer ban for high-value home investors

Written by:
Victoria Milne
New Zealand is opening the door to wealthy investors in a controlled way, with the goal of allowing them to bring significant capital into the country’s economy without affecting the broader housing market. This targeted move signals the government’s focus on attracting international investment while keeping residential property accessible for local buyers.
Read more
Ashley’s Law: Overdue justice for victims of family violence

Ashley’s Law: Overdue justice for victims of family violence

Ashley’s Law, coming into effect in October 2025, will allow victims of family violence in New Zealand to obtain faster divorces from their abusers. Named after Ashley Jones, whose case exposed serious flaws in the system, the law represents a major step toward protecting victims and reducing re-traumatisation.
Read more
New law against pay secrecy

New law against pay secrecy

On 20 August 2025, Parliament passed a new law that purports to promote pay transparency by protecting employees who discuss their own remuneration (which may or may not involve disclosing their own remuneration) or enquire into the remuneration of another employee, with the goal of helping detect and address pay inequities - particularly relating to gender, Māori, and Pasifika pay gaps.
Read more
How employers can avoid the immigration stand-down list

How employers can avoid the immigration stand-down list

If your business employs migrant workers, staying compliant with employment law is critical. A single breach, even if unintentional, can trigger formal enforcement action that places you on Immigration New Zealand’s public “stand-down list.” Once there, you lose the ability to hire or sponsor migrant workers for months or even years. For accredited employers, that can mean stalled recruitment, unfilled roles, and serious disruption to business operations.
Read more
Outdated easements vs modern land use

Outdated easements vs modern land use

Written by:
George Steyn
For property developers, investors, and landowners in New Zealand, old easements or covenants can be more than just lines on a title - they can be roadblocks to progress. Recent court decisions under the Property Law Act 2007 are reshaping how and when these changes can be made, making it essential to understand the rules before you buy, build, or plan your next project.
Read more
Legal support without borders

Legal support without borders

Written by:
Alissa Bell
Whether you're expanding internationally, navigating regulatory obligations, managing global teams, or dealing with cross-border transactions and disputes, trusted legal support with strong global connections gives your business a real advantage.
Read more
High Court clarifies limits on early sale of restrained property

High Court clarifies limits on early sale of restrained property

What happens when a multi-million-dollar home in St Heliers, Auckland, is frozen due to an overseas criminal investigation – and a government-appointed officer tries to sell it before the case is decided?
Read more
Building reports in property transactions

Building reports in property transactions

Written by:
Helen Lee
In New Zealand property transactions, building reports play a crucial role in the due diligence process, giving buyers a clearer understanding of a property's true condition before committing to a purchase, helping to uncover hidden issues, informing negotiations, and providing peace of mind. However, if misunderstood or misused, they can also complicate a deal.
Read more
Parent Boost Visa: What It Means for Migrant Families

Parent Boost Visa: What It Means for Migrant Families

Written by:
Arran Hunt
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
Understanding cross lease properties: Should you convert?

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