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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

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Aerial view of a construction site with a red crane amidst green fields and concrete buildings.
Commercial

Proposed Building Consent System Reform

The Government has announced its intention to reform the building consent system with the aims of improving efficiency and consistency in building consent delivery. At present some 67 Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) – which are usually local and district councils, can also be regional councils (for dams) and private organisations – operate across New Zealand,

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Commercial

New Resource Management Reform: Key Takeaways for Clients

The New Zealand government recently announced a major overhaul to the Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991, a move expected to streamline environmental and development regulations. Two new Acts will replace the RMA, targeting environmental management and urban development separately. This article outlines the planned reforms and their implications for property developers, environmental stakeholders, and iwi

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Property Law

Overhanging Trees, Boundary Issues, and Ownership of Fruit: What you Need to know

In New Zealand, trees planted close to property boundaries can lead to disputes, especially when branches overhang or roots encroach into a neighbouring property. Understanding the law governing these situations can help property owners resolve issues amicably and avoid unnecessary conflicts. OWNERSHIP OF OVERHANGING BRANCHES AND FRUIT Legally, the branches, leaves, and fruit of a

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Property Law

Buying a business in New Zealand: key considerations

Buying a business in New Zealand can be both exciting and stressful. It marks the start of a new adventure, but usually involves some uncertainty and risk. START A NEW BUSINESS INSTEAD? An existing business should offer an established customer base and cashflow. However, you also inherit existing challenges and may need to make changes

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Property Law

Understanding the brightline tax test

The Brightline tax test is a crucial part of New Zealand’s property taxation framework, designed to curb property speculation and ensure that profits from quick property sales are taxed appropriately. Introduced in October 2015, the test has undergone several changes, reflecting the governments’ ongoing efforts to stabilize the housing market and address affordability issues. The

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Property Law

How engaging a reputable mortgage broker can help alleviate mortgage pressures in New Zealand

For many families in New Zealand, mortgage pressures can strain finances and relationships. High or rising interest rates, changing economic conditions, and unforeseen personal circumstances can make managing mortgage payments challenging. We have dealings and contact with a number of mortgage advisers (previously known as brokers), and in this article we explore some of the

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Property Law

A man’s home is his castle…

Or so the saying goes. True perhaps, but one of the problems with modern day castles is they may not have secure parapets and their locations can be known to all. Through the introduction and initial reading of the Companies (Address Information) Amendment Bill, Parliament is looking at allowing company directors to have their residential

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Property Law

Upcoming changes to PROPERTY tax and TENANCY laws.

Alongside the changes to employment law, the National-ACT-NZ First coalition is bringing in major changes to the property sector. Among the most significant and those likely to affect many of our clients are: TENANCY AND RENTAL MARKET ADJUSTMENTS DEDUCTIBILITY OF MORTGAGE INTEREST FOR LANDLORDS From 1 April 2024, landlords may claim back 80% of the

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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.