Newsletter
The Law Lowdown – SPRING 2025
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here
October 2, 2025
Our Blog
Family Trusts and Estate Planning
Trust Property Sales: Simplified Rules but Ongoing Responsibilities
Recent changes to New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT) have eased compliance requirements for family trusts, particularly when selling property. The reforms, in force from June 2025, respond to long-standing criticism that the old rules placed too much burden on low-risk transactions. What Has Changed Previously, whenever a trust was
October 2, 2025
Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney
Why Retirement Villages Require Enduring Powers of Attorney
When moving into a retirement village in New Zealand, new residents are usually asked to have an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) in place. This may feel like another bit of administration to add to the paperwork, but it is an important safeguard for both residents and their families. Why an EPA is Required An
October 2, 2025
Property Law
Understanding Easements
When you buy or own property in New Zealand, you may come across the term easement. Easements are a common legal feature of land ownership, and while they can sound technical, they play an important role in allowing landowners to use their property effectively. What is an Easement? An easement is a legal right to
October 2, 2025
General
Consumer Rights for Flight Disruption Costs
Recently Jetstar was ordered to pay a $2.25 million fine after misleading customers about their compensation rights when flights were cancelled or delayed for reasons within its control. The case made headlines and put the spotlight on what New Zealand travellers can reasonably expect when their journeys are disrupted. Flight cancellations, delays, and where boarding
October 2, 2025
Newsletter
The Law Lowdown – WINTER 2025
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here
July 16, 2025
Matrimonial
Understanding Separate vs Relationship Property
Under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (PRA), everything a couple owns is sorted into two baskets when they separate or when one partner dies: relationship property and separate property. Knowing which basket an asset falls into can prevent costly arguments later. Relationship property Most things acquired during a marriage, civil union or qualifying de-facto relationship
July 16, 2025
Commercial
Statutory Demands: What Creditors and Companies Need to Know
If a company owes a debt and hasn’t paid, creditors in New Zealand have a legal tool known as a statutory demand to help recover what’s owed. Under section 289 of the Companies Act 1993, a statutory demand is a formal written notice that requires the company to pay the debt, come to an arrangement,
July 16, 2025
Personal Services
Why You Should Have Enduring Powers of Attorney in Place
Planning ahead isn’t just about writing a will – it also involves ensuring that trusted people can make decisions for you if you are no longer able to do so. In New Zealand, this is done through Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs), and every adult should consider having these in place. There are two types
July 16, 2025
General
Charity Tax Reforms Paused – For Now …
The Government’s proposed changes to the tax treatment of charities have sparked significant concern across the charitable sector. While the reforms have now been put on hold, they have not been withdrawn—and are expected to resurface in revised form. BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED CHANGES The proposals sought to tighten rules around business income earned by
July 16, 2025