Newsletter
The Law Lowdown – SPRING 2026
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here
September 24, 2026
Our Blog
Commercial
Can you Trust a Five-star Review?
Online reviews have become an important part of the way we shop. Whether we are choosing a restaurant, booking accommodation or buying a product online, a string of five-star reviews can make all the difference. A recent case provides a timely reminder that those reviews need to be genuine. In August 2026, Brand Developers Limited,
September 24, 2026
Matrimonial
When a Contracting-out Agreement affects an Estate: Rimmer V Wilton
A recent Supreme Court decision has highlighted an important connection between relationship property agreements, wills and what happens when someone dies without a will. In Rimmer v Wilton [2026] NZSC 122, the Court considered whether a surviving partner could receive the benefits provided to her under a contracting-out agreement and then also receive additional property
September 24, 2026
Property Law
Earthquake-prone Building Rules are Changing – But What Does Your Lease Say?
New Zealand’s earthquake-prone building rules are heading for a major overhaul, but commercial landlords and tenants may find that changing the legislation is only part of the story. The Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill has passed its second reading and is currently before Parliament at the Committee of the Whole House stage. If enacted as
September 24, 2026
Commercial
Goodbye Holidays Act: A New System for Employee Leave is Coming
For many employers, payroll staff and employees, the Holidays Act 2003 has long had a reputation for being one of New Zealand’s more difficult pieces of employment legislation. Its replacement is now on the way. The Employment Leave Act 2026 received Royal assent on 6 August 2026 and will replace the Holidays Act from 6
September 24, 2026
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
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