Insights & Articles

Interesting insights on various areas of New Zealand law for individuals and businesses alike.
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Easements or covenants blocking land use | McVeagh Fleming article for property developers, investors, and landowners. Land restrictions getting in the way.
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Outdated easements vs modern land use

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.
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Auckland, New Zealand Lawyers. Legal support without borders. McVeagh Fleming Lawyers' global network connection to international law firms through Ally Law.
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Legal support without borders

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.
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Auckland Litigation Lawyer | High Court clarifies limits on early sale of restrained multi-million-dollar home in St Heliers, Auckland.
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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?
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Building reports in property transactions. In New Zealand property transactions, building reports play a crucial role in the due diligence process. Lawyer.
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Building reports in property transactions

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.
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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.
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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.
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Demystifying NZ cross leases: Understand shared property ownership, potential complications, and explore whether converting your cross lease to freehold.
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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.
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Learn how to navigate access issues for drainage and stormwater works across neighbouring land. Practical advice for developers and property owners.
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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.
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New Zealand’s new immigration health policy raises concerns about inclusivity, skilled migration, and the long-term impact on families with disabled children.
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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.
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Auckland Immigration Lawyer - Supporting Licensed Immigration Advisers
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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.
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Auckland Maritime Lawyer - Attention NZ Boaties: New departure rules for those planning an overseas voyage
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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.
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Auckland Property, business and contract lawyers - UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS OF PROVIDING A GUARANTEE
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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.
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Active Investor Plus Visa – Announced changes. Auckland immigration lawyer perspective: the Active Investor Plus Visa (AIPV) category visa type.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Restructures

Restructures

Whether you're an employer seeking compliance or an employee seeking clarity, this article offers invaluable insights to navigate the process effectively.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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