Insights & Articles

Interesting insights on various areas of New Zealand law for individuals and businesses alike.
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How to navigate the busy holiday period when making visa applications. Get help from Auckland Immigration Lawyer - Visa applications during the holiday period
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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.
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Seventh Edition Deed of Lease: Key updates for the commercial property sector — retail shops, office buildings, industrial facilities, or hospitality venues.
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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.
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How do you get divorced in New Zealand? Article from McVeagh Fleming Lawyers - Auckland-based Family & Relationship Property team
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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.
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Auckland Immigration Lawyer - Our top 6 tips for Partnership Visa Applications
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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.
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Auckland Immigration Lawyer - Immigration changes to help those buying a business
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Immigration changes to help those buying a business

In a welcome move for business owners, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has revised its policies to make it easier for those buying businesses to keep their existing workforce. From 6 November 2024, this change will streamline the process for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders, reducing delays and red tape that previously made it difficult for new business owners to retain valued migrant staff.
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Auckland Immigration Lawyer - US election: A Donkey, an Elephant, or New Zealand
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A Donkey, an Elephant, or New Zealand

There is no doubt that 5 November 2024 will lead to someone being appointed as the most powerful person in the world. While we won't be trying to assume who will win, we do know that, on that day, about half of the population in the USA is likely to be disappointed with the result. That is why we wanted to raise a third option. We'll cover a few differences that people may experience by moving to New Zealand, as well as some of the immigration options that may be open to you.
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Auckland Lawyer for Wills - I was excluded from a Will, what can I do?
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I was excluded from a Will, what can I do?

If one of your loved ones has left you out of their Will or you believe that their Will is unfair or their Will did not adequately provide for you, you may be able to make a claim under the Family Protection Act 1955 (the FPA) against their estate.
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Auckland property lawyer - Land covenants: the ability to amend to reflect modern developments
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Land covenants: the ability to amend to reflect modern developments

This article explores the legal principles surrounding land covenants, focusing on a case where a developer sought to modify a land covenant that restricted the number of dwellings on their property. The Court ultimately agreed to modify the covenant, determining that no substantial injury would result to neighboring property owners and the change reflected modern development demands.
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Auckland Family & Relationship Property Lawyer - Occupation rent after separation. One person moves out of the family home and the other remains.
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Occupation rent after separation

Occupation rent is a legal mechanism that can come into play when a couple separates, and one person continues living in the family home while the other moves out. It is designed to ensure fairness, especially if the remaining party benefits from sole access to the home.
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Auckland Property, business and contract lawyers - What's hiding in the Terms of Trade? A Customer Perspective on GSAs
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What's hiding in the Terms of Trade? A Customer Perspective on GSAs

When entering relationships with new suppliers, it’s essential to carefully review the terms of trade, especially if they include a General Security Agreement (GSA). While a GSA can offer credit benefits, it also carries significant risks, potentially leading to receivership if payment issues arise. Understanding these terms is crucial to protecting your business.
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Auckland Employment Laywers - Employee v Contractor Status Disputes - A New Law But Old Problems?
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Employee v Contractor Status Disputes – A New Law But Old Problems?

The government has announced its plan to amend the Employment Relations Act 2000 by introducing a new legislative test that aims to prevent workers from challenging their status as an independent contractors and claiming that they are employees.
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 If you lose mental capacity without an EPA, decisions regarding your personal welfare or property must go through the Family Court.
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Navigating mental capacity loss without Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA): What you need to know

Many people assume their family will automatically be able to make decisions for them if they lose mental capacity, but without Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) in place, that’s not the case. If you lose mental capacity without an EPA, decisions regarding your personal welfare or property must go through the Family Court.
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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.
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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.
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New process for AEWV holders affected by business sales and restructures

New process for AEWV holders affected by business sales and restructures

Written by:
David Graham
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.
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What the new $60,000 Disputes Tribunal limit means for you

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

Written by:
George Steyn
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.
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Future-proof your business with strategic legal advice

Future-proof your business with strategic legal advice

Written by:
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.
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Caught between borders and classrooms

Caught between borders and classrooms

Written by:
Kim Saran Lee
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.
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Navigating immigration challenges

Navigating immigration challenges

Written by:
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.
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Buying or selling a house in Auckland? Why the right lawyer matters

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

Written by:
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.
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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.
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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.
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