Insights & Articles

Interesting insights on various areas of New Zealand law for individuals and businesses alike.
iPhone mockup
Learn how to manage Christmas and end-of-year closedowns under the Holidays Act 2003, including payroll rules, leave entitlements, public holidays, and complian
This is some text inside of a div block.

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.
READ MORE
Auckland Council’s Plan Change 120 brings major zoning and hazard-management changes. Learn how PC120 affects property value, development potential, and risk.
This is some text inside of a div block.

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.
READ MORE
INZ now requires employers to complete manual Job Checks for AEWV transfers during business sales or restructures, with no fees or advertising required.
This is some text inside of a div block.

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.
READ MORE
The Disputes Tribunal’s claim limit doubles to $60,000 in 2026 — find out what this means for individuals, tradespeople, and small businesses.
This is some text inside of a div block.

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.
READ MORE
McVeagh Fleming’s corporate law team helps NZ businesses with structure, compliance, and growth through clear, strategic legal advice.
This is some text inside of a div block.

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.
READ MORE
Explores the clash between New Zealand’s child education rights and Immigration NZ policies that limit access for migrant families.
This is some text inside of a div block.

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.
READ MORE
Appeals, Investor Visas, Waivers & Job Checks: How McVeagh Fleming Supports Your NZ Immigration Journey. Navigating complex immigration challenges.
This is some text inside of a div block.

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.
READ MORE
Buying or selling a house in Auckland? McVeagh Fleming’s property lawyers make your transaction smooth, secure, and stress-free. Get expert guidance today.
This is some text inside of a div block.

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.
READ MORE
NZ permits wealthy foreign investors to buy $5M+ homes via Active Investor Plus visa, boosting investment without affecting housing affordability.
This is some text inside of a div block.

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.
READ MORE
Ashley’s Law, coming into effect October 2025, will allow victims of family violence in NZ to obtain faster divorces from their abusers. By Vaishnavi Thayaparan
This is some text inside of a div block.

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. Parliament passed a new law that purports to promote pay transparency by protecting employees who discuss their own remuneration.
This is some text inside of a div block.

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
If your business employs migrant workers, stay compliant with employment law. A single breach, even if unintentional, can trigger formal enforcement: stand-down
This is some text inside of a div block.

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

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.
Remember to keep your employees in the loop when selling your business

Remember to keep your employees in the loop when selling your business

Selling a business involves balancing confidentiality and transparency with employees, especially under New Zealand employment law. When selling assets, employers must consult with employees before finalising the sale to avoid grievances if jobs are affected.
Read more
Children who Resist, Refuse or Reject a relationship with their Parent

Children who Resist, Refuse or Reject a relationship with their Parent

Written by:
Jackie Dale
Amber Holdaway
Separating from your spouse or partner is often stressful, complicated, and painful especially when children are involved. Reaching an agreement about how a child's care will be shared can be challenging and deepen conflict between parents if they do not see eye to eye.
Read more
Boat purchase 101 - Sale and Purchase Agreements

Boat purchase 101 - Sale and Purchase Agreements

Written by:
Forrester Grant
Well-drafted agreements for vessel sales are important, especially for larger, technical vessels. While smaller vessel buyers may see these as unnecessary, written contracts simplify legal disputes. Agreements range from basic contracts to detailed forms like the Norwegian Saleform and should clearly outline terms, transaction processes, and dispute procedures, with common provisions as a standard foundation.
Read more
My Ex is hiding assets from me, what can I do?

My Ex is hiding assets from me, what can I do?

Written by:
Vinnie Kumar
Niamh Forgie
At the end of a relationship, both parties must fully disclose their assets and liabilities to divide their property fairly. If one party withholds information, reaching a fair agreement becomes difficult, and any agreement made could be challenged and possibly overturned later.
Read more
Restructures

Restructures

Whether you're an employer seeking compliance or an employee seeking clarity, this article offers invaluable insights to navigate the process effectively.
Read more
Exceptions to equal sharing of relationship property

Exceptions to equal sharing of relationship property

Written by:
Peter Fuscic
Niamh Forgie
Upon separation, it's usually assumed that relationship property will be divided equally unless there's a prenuptial or premarital agreement. However, if there are special circumstances where equal division isn't fair, the court might order a different division to ensure fairness and justice.
Read more
Winding up your Family Trust

Winding up your Family Trust

Written by:
Brandon Cullen
With recent changes in tax regulations, increased compliance obligations, and rising administrative costs, what used to be relatively simple is suddenly complicated, time-consuming, and expensive. Is it time to simplify your life and wind the damn thing up?
Read more
Beyond Paper: the Power of Implied Agreements

Beyond Paper: the Power of Implied Agreements

Written by:
Fulton Ryan
In business, contracts are the backbone of agreements, ensuring clarity and accountability. But what happens when a contract isn't written down? The case of Kingsbeer Transport Ltd v Martin Brower New Zealand sheds light on this question, revealing important insights for business owners.
Read more
Holding Overseas Manufacturers Accountable

Holding Overseas Manufacturers Accountable

This article explores a legal case heard by the New Zealand Court of Appeal, specifically regarding a dispute involving the supply of a building cladding product. The case involved two building owners who initiated legal proceedings against the German-based manufacturer and New Zealand-based distributors. The building owners alleged that the product was faulty and posed risks to their buildings, leading to potential loss and expense.
Read more
Accredited Employer Work Visa – New business issues, and the application of compliance for all

Accredited Employer Work Visa – New business issues, and the application of compliance for all

Written by:
Arran Hunt
There is little doubt that the introduction of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) by the previous government has caused some issues. While the stated intention was to protect migrants from exploitation, the opposite would appear to be the outcome. The media has been filled with stories of migrants exploited, mostly by larger companies, with unscrupulous agents taking payment for jobs, and employers claiming no involvement, yet unable to comply with their obligations. All the while, migrants remain with little hope, savings often spent on a future that never arrived.
Read more