Newsletter
The Law Lowdown – WINTER 2026
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here
July 9, 2026
Our Blog
Conveyancing
Buying Property Together? Have the Hard Conversations First
With property prices remaining challenging for many New Zealanders, more people are choosing to purchase property with friends, siblings, parents or other family members. While sharing ownership can help people get onto the property ladder sooner, it can also create significant problems if expectations are not discussed from the outset. Many co-owners focus on the
July 9, 2026
Conveyancing
Court Changes the Rules for Cross-Lease Alterations
A recent Court of Appeal decision has clarified the rights of cross-lease property owners when one owner wants to alter or extend their home. The case, Liow v Martelli [2026] NZCA 101, involved two neighbouring properties in Remuera held under the same cross-lease title. The owners of one property wanted to substantiallyalter their home by
July 9, 2026
Commercial
Think Before You Post — Social Media and Employment Risks
Social media has become part of everyday life, but many employees are surprised to learn that what they post online can sometimes have consequences in the workplace. Comments made outside working hours and on personal accounts are not always private. Posts can be copied, shared and viewed by colleagues, clients and employers, often far beyond
July 9, 2026
Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney
Why a Will is Not Enough — The Importance of an Enduring Power of Attorney
Many people assume that once they have signed a Will, their affairs are fully in order. That is not so. Your Will only takes effect after death. It does not help if you are still alive but unable to make decisions for yourself. That is where an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) becomes one of
July 9, 2026
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
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