Our Insights and Legal Ariticles

Clear, practical legal advice for individuals, families and businesses across Auckland. Property, family, estates, commercial, employment, immigration.

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A new year. Legal clarity you can rely on

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.

Not married but living as a couple? Learn when a de facto relationship exists under NZ law and how the Property (Relationships) Act may affect you.

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Am I in a De Facto Relationship?

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).

If your name isn’t on your home’s title, you may still have rights. Learn how a Section 42 notice can help protect your interest under the PRA.

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

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.

Learn how to manage Christmas and end-of-year closedowns under the Holidays Act 2003, including payroll rules, leave entitlements, public holidays, and complian

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

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.

Auckland Council’s Plan Change 120 brings major zoning and hazard-management changes. Learn how PC120 affects property value, development potential, and risk.

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PC120: What homeowners, buyers and developers need to know

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.

INZ now requires employers to complete manual Job Checks for AEWV transfers during business sales or restructures, with no fees or advertising required.

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New process for AEWV holders affected by business sales and restructures

Immigration New Zealand has introduced a temporary manual process for transferring Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders when a business is sold or restructured. Employers must now complete a manual Job Check application for each affected worker. This change may cause operational disruption and potential delays in work rights. AEWV holders are also affected, as their visa records will not update correctly unless employers complete the process.

The Disputes Tribunal’s claim limit doubles to $60,000 in 2026 — find out what this means for individuals, tradespeople, and small businesses.

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What the new $60,000 Disputes Tribunal limit means for you

From 24 January 2026, the Disputes Tribunal will be able to hear claims of up to $60,000, which is double its previous limit. This change, introduced under the Disputes Tribunal Amendment Act 2025, means many more disputes can now be resolved quickly and affordably, without the need to go to court.

McVeagh Fleming’s corporate law team helps NZ businesses with structure, compliance, and growth through clear, strategic legal advice.

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Future-proof your business with strategic legal advice

Running a business in New Zealand is rewarding, but it comes with constant change, risk, and regulation. Whether you’re expanding, taking on investors, or simply trying to stay compliant, the right legal structure and advice can make all the difference.

Explores the clash between New Zealand’s child education rights and Immigration NZ policies that limit access for migrant families.

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Caught between borders and classrooms

This article examines the ongoing conflict between New Zealand’s international commitment to children’s right to education and Immigration New Zealand policies that restrict access for migrant children. It highlights the human impact of these policies and calls for greater alignment between immigration enforcement and the country’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Appeals, Investor Visas, Waivers & Job Checks: How McVeagh Fleming Supports Your NZ Immigration Journey. Navigating complex immigration challenges.

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Navigating immigration challenges

When your visa application is refused or delayed, it can feel like your plans have come to a halt. But in many cases, there are still strong legal options available, whether through an appeal, a waiver, or alternative business or employer pathways.

Buying or selling a house in Auckland? McVeagh Fleming’s property lawyers make your transaction smooth, secure, and stress-free. Get expert guidance today.

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Buying or selling a house in Auckland? Why the right lawyer matters

Buying or selling a residential property is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, upgrading, or selling an investment property, having a trusted Auckland property lawyer by your side can make the process smoother, faster, and less stressful. At McVeagh Fleming, our team of residential property lawyers guide clients through every step of the buying and selling journey.

NZ permits wealthy foreign investors to buy $5M+ homes via Active Investor Plus visa, boosting investment without affecting housing affordability.

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NZ eases foreign buyer ban for high-value home investors

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.

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.

They say you shouldn’t break up with your boyfriend or girlfriend via text…but why not? In the case of Templeton UQ Limited v Watts & Hughes Limited, Templeton's application was served via email, a method not permitted under the Companies Act 1993. As a result, the application was struck out, demonstrating the critical importance of following prescribed service methods. These are both examples of when you fail to communicate appropriately, things don’t go well!

In the realm of subdivisions, early legal consultation can be a game-changer. This article delves into the critical importance of involving a lawyer from the get-go.

Insights & Articles

A new year. Legal clarity you can rely on

Am I in a De Facto Relationship?

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

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

PC120: What homeowners, buyers and developers need to know

New process for AEWV holders affected by business sales and restructures

What the new $60,000 Disputes Tribunal limit means for you

Future-proof your business with strategic legal advice

Caught between borders and classrooms

Navigating immigration challenges

Buying or selling a house in Auckland? Why the right lawyer matters

NZ eases foreign buyer ban for high-value home investors

Understanding section 72 notices on your property title

Setting Aside a Statutory Demand: Get Service Right or Face the Consequences

Newsletter: April 2024

Empowering Survivors: Understanding Legal Dynamics in Abusive Relationships

Navigating land subdivision: Early legal expertise to avoid unwanted stress, complexity, and cost

Recent Posts

Insights & Articles

A new year. Legal clarity you can rely on

Am I in a De Facto Relationship?

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

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

PC120: What homeowners, buyers and developers need to know

New process for AEWV holders affected by business sales and restructures

What the new $60,000 Disputes Tribunal limit means for you

Future-proof your business with strategic legal advice

Caught between borders and classrooms

Navigating immigration challenges

Buying or selling a house in Auckland? Why the right lawyer matters

NZ eases foreign buyer ban for high-value home investors

Subscribe to receive updates

Understanding section 72 notices on your property title

Setting Aside a Statutory Demand: Get Service Right or Face the Consequences

Newsletter: April 2024

Empowering Survivors: Understanding Legal Dynamics in Abusive Relationships

Navigating land subdivision: Early legal expertise to avoid unwanted stress, complexity, and cost

Recent Posts

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