Our Blog

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

Read More »
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,

Read More »
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

Read More »
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 While the reforms have now been put on hold, they have not been withdrawn—and are expected to resurface in revised form.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

Read More »
General

Change to Parliamentary Term?

Among the world’s liberal democracies, Australia and New Zealand are notable for retaining three-year parliamentary terms. This term length is now uncommon, as the majority of countries with active legislatures have four-or five-year terms. It’s important to note that while other countries, such as El Salvador, Mexico, Nauru, and the Philippines, also have threeyear terms

Read More »
Conveyancing

Public Works Act Reforms: What it Means for Landowners

The Government has announced fast-tracked reforms to the Public Works Act (PWA), aiming to speed up compulsory land acquisitions for major infrastructure projects. These changes will significantly impact individual landowners, particularly those affected by Fast-Track approvals projects and Roads of National Significance. KEY CHANGES AFFECTING LANDOWNERS NO MORE OBJECTIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENT COURT Currently, landowners

Read More »
Family Trusts and Estate Planning

Regularly Check Your Will – Why it’s So Important

We often hear a sigh of relief when a client signs their Will. The assumption of course is “Ok great – that’s over and done with”. No need to think about it again. Unfortunately, that is just not the case. A Will is not something to write and forget. It should be reviewed regularly, especially

Read More »
Scroll to Top

Merry Christmas

We shut on the 20th of December and re-open again on the 13th of January 2025

Compliments of the season to you also and we hope you enjoy a relaxing break.