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
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
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 While the reforms have now been put on hold, they have not been withdrawn—and are expected to resurface in revised form.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
Newsletter
The Law Lowdown – AUTUMN 2025
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here
March 25, 2025
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
March 25, 2025
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
March 25, 2025
Conveyancing
Why You Should Always Consult a Lawyer Before Signing a Property Agreement
Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments most people will make. In New Zealand, many buyers assume that if they are using the standard ADLS/ Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) approved Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate, they do not need legal advice before signing. However, failing to
March 25, 2025
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
March 25, 2025