Insights & Articles

Interesting insights on various areas of New Zealand law for individuals and businesses alike.
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When purchasing a boat/ship/yacht/vessel - avoid the exercise becoming a frustrating nightmare - contact a legal expert. Forrester Grant McVeagh Fleming Lawyers
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Boat purchase 101 - Sale and Purchase Agreements

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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Auckland Relationship Lawyer - finances in a relationship. Ex refusing to provide full disclosure of their assets and liabilities.
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My Ex is hiding assets from me, what can I do?

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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 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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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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Auckland Relationship Lawyer - There is a presumption that when separating with your partner or spouse all of your relationship property will be split 50/50.
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Exceptions to equal sharing of relationship property

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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Why wouldn’t you wind up your Trust right now? Talk to an Auckland Family Trust Lawyer about winding up your Family Trust.
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Winding up your Family Trust

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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In business, contracts are the backbone of agreements, ensuring clarity and accountability. But what happens when a contract isn't written down?
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Beyond Paper: the Power of Implied Agreements

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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Auckland Litigation Lawyers - Holding Overseas Manufacturers Accountable
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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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There is little doubt that the introduction of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) by the previous government has caused some issues.
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Accredited Employer Work Visa – New business issues, and the application of compliance for all

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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Construction contract disputes
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Construction contract disputes

This article provides a practical example of the complexities involved in construction-related legal matters, such as payment disputes, contract interpretation, and the importance of adhering to legal requirements in construction contracts.
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After separation, one partner may need financial support while they transition to becoming financially independent.
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Can bad behaviour cost you during divorce or separation?

When sorting out the monetary side of separation, the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 ("the Act") sets out how property is to be divided for relationships that qualify. It generally aims to divide property (the assets and liabilities including houses, cars, superannuation, mortgage loans etc.) in a way that is “fair”. This means the starting point is that property is divided equally. However, there are some exceptions.
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Legislative gap leaves New Zealand exposed to deepfakes. The march of technology means almost anyone can create deepfakes, often
in a matter of minutes.
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Legislative gap leaves New Zealand exposed to deepfakes

Legislative gap leaves New Zealand exposed to deepfakes. The march of technology means almost anyone can create deepfakes, often in a matter of minutes.
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After separation, one partner may need financial support while they transition to becoming financially independent.
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Maintenance after the end of a relationship

After separation, one partner may need financial support while they transition to becoming financially independent. Spousal maintenance is separate from child support payments as its focus is on supporting an adult party rather than supporting any children. If a party has made an application for spousal maintenance, they can apply to receive interim maintenance urgently from the other party, to assist them financially in the interim while the final spousal maintenance proceedings are being settled.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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