Newsletter
The Law Lowdown – AUTUMN 2026
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here
April 15, 2026
Our Blog
Employment
Unjustified Dismissal: When Getting the Process Wrong can be Costly
Unjustified dismissal claims remain one of the most common types of personal grievances in New Zealand. While many employers understand the need for a valid reason to dismiss an employee, it is often the process, rather than the reason itself, that determines whether a dismissal is lawful. Two common scenarios help illustrate how things can
April 15, 2026
Family Trusts and Estate Planning
Can Trustees be Personally Liable to Beneficiaries? A Practical Example
Trusts are widely used in New Zealand to hold property and manage family wealth. However, a common misunderstanding is that trustees are protected from personal liability simply because they act in that role. In reality, trustees can be held personally accountable – including to the beneficiaries of the trust. A simple example helps illustrate how
April 15, 2026
General
Dog Control Act Under Review: What it Could Mean
The Government has announced a review of the Dog Control Act 1996, following growing concern about roaming and uncontrolled dogs and a number of widely reported attacks. The review comes after feedback from councils and Local Government New Zealand that the current legislation is outdated and, in some cases, limits their ability to respond effectively.
April 15, 2026
Conveyancing
When a Property Flip Goes Wrong: The Cost of Failing to Settle
Property speculation, particularly short-term “flipping”, became increasingly common during the rapid rise in property values seen in New Zealand between 2020 and late 2021. However, the sharp market correction that followed through 2022 and 2023 exposed the risks of this strategy. The High Court case of Smallridge v Singh [2025] NZHC 242 provides a clear
April 15, 2026
Newsletter
The Law Lowdown – SUMMER 2025
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here
December 21, 2025
Property Law
New Pet Rules for Residential Tenancies – Landlords and Tenants take notice
Major changes to the Residential Tenancies Act take effect on 1 December 2025, introducing a clearer and more balanced framework for pets in rental properties. The reforms aim to make it easier for tenants to keep pets while giving landlords practical tools to manage risks, set conditions, and recover the cost of any pet-related damage.
December 21, 2025
Family Trusts and Estate Planning
Changes to Probate Requirements: What Families Need to Know
New Zealand’s estate administration rules have recently been updated, making it easier in some situations for families to wind up a loved one’s affairs without applying for probate. These changes aim to reduce unnecessary time and cost for smaller or straightforward estates, while keeping important safeguards in place for more complex matters. WHAT HAS CHANGED?
December 21, 2025
Conveyancing
Chattels in Sale and Purchase Agreements – Being Clear Matters
When buying or selling residential property in New Zealand, one issue that frequently causes post-settlement disputes is the distinction between chattels and fixtures. Although it sounds technical, understanding this difference and recording items clearly in the agreement – can save both parties time, money, and unnecessary stress. Chattels are movable items of personal property that
December 21, 2025
Property Law
Government Announces Major Reset of The Earthquake-prone Building System
The Government has confirmed a significant overhaul of New Zealand’s earthquake-prone building (EPB) framework, following advice and analysis published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). These reforms aim to create a more proportionate, risk-focused system – one that targets higher-risk buildings and regions while reducing unnecessary cost pressures on owners and communities.
December 21, 2025