Insights & Articles

Interesting insights on various areas of New Zealand law for individuals and businesses alike.
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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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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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Enforcing a Nikah (an Islamic marriage contract)

Enforcing a Nikah (an Islamic marriage contract)

Written by:
Peter Fuscic
Rosanna Wu and Amber Holdaway
If you and your partner intend to enter into a nikah, it is important to consult with a lawyer to advise you of the possible effects and implications of that agreement and your property rights should you and your partner separate. If you and your partner have already separated and you have entered into a nikah, a lawyer can also advise you on what that means for your relationship property entitlements.
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Ensure your employment agreements are up to date

Ensure your employment agreements are up to date

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
The Holidays Act 2003 specifically provides for annual 'customary' closedowns. There are a few rules you need to be aware of. We have set out some scenarios, and answered the most commonly asked questions.
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Empowering passengers: Exploring consumer rights regarding late departures in transportation services

Empowering passengers: Exploring consumer rights regarding late departures in transportation services

In an age where time is of the essence and personal schedules are tightly packed, the reliability of transportation services is paramount. Late departures by trains, buses, flights, and other means of transportation have become a common concern for consumers around the world. The rights of consumers when faced with tardy departures are not to be taken lightly.
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Closing down over Christmas and managing annual leave

Closing down over Christmas and managing annual leave

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
The Holidays Act 2003 specifically provides for annual 'customary' closedowns. There are a few rules you need to be aware of. We have set out some scenarios, and answered the most commonly asked questions.
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Is your property adequately insured?

Is your property adequately insured?

Written by:
Paul Foster
This article discusses the importance of property owners in New Zealand reviewing their insurance coverage, especially in the aftermath of widespread damage caused by weather events in 2023. The focus of this article is on the often-overlooked aspects of insurance related to land and potential complications arising from natural hazards.
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Incorporated societies: Key changes and compliance

Incorporated societies: Key changes and compliance

With approximately 24,000 incorporated societies in New Zealand, ranging from substantial business-like entities to modest sporting clubs, the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 ("New Act") influence is far-reaching. Regardless of size, all incorporated societies will be affected, so it is crucial to understand and prepare for the implications of the New Act to avoid potential consequences for non-compliance.
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Second-Tier Lending: Understanding the Fine Print

Second-Tier Lending: Understanding the Fine Print

Written by:
Hamish Coupe
In today's financial landscape, banks are tightening their lending requirements, prompting many buyers to explore alternative options like second-tier lending. Mezzanine financers and other last-resort money lenders can provide vital financial support, but it's crucial to approach these agreements with caution and a clear understanding of the fine print. After all, surprises are for birthdays, not loan agreements!
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Medical incapacity of an employee

Medical incapacity of an employee

Medical incapacity of an employee is a challenge that demands a delicate balance between empathy and practicality. Determining when to draw the line on a long-term illness and how long to keep a job open for a sick employee is a challenging task shaped by case law intricacies. Employers are not expected to hold a position indefinitely but they must follow a fair process before terminating an employee’s employment.
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The importance of Prenuptial Agreements has increased

The importance of Prenuptial Agreements has increased

Written by:
Peter Fuscic
Protecting assets has become an integral aspect of modern relationships, with the growing importance of prenuptial agreements for safeguarding individual interests. In June 2023, the New Zealand Supreme Court issued a significant ruling in the case of Sutton v Bell, which centered on Sections 44 and 26 of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 ("PRA"). This decision marks a pivotal shift in the interpretation of key legal provisions governing property rights in relationships.
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Buyer Beware: The Limitations of Agent-Provided LIMs

Buyer Beware: The Limitations of Agent-Provided LIMs

Obtaining a LIM is a crucial step for prospective property buyers, but with the cost of a LIM being around $400 and with many real estate agents offering LIMs at no cost, it can be tempting to rely on their convenient provision. However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential limitations that may come with an agent-provided LIM.
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