Newsletter
The Law Lowdown – SUMMER 2025
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here
December 21, 2025
Our Blog
Property Law
New Pet Rules for Residential Tenancies – Landlords and Tenants take notice
Major changes to the Residential Tenancies Act take effect on 1 December 2025, introducing a clearer and more balanced framework for pets in rental properties. The reforms aim to make it easier for tenants to keep pets while giving landlords practical tools to manage risks, set conditions, and recover the cost of any pet-related damage.
December 21, 2025
Family Trusts and Estate Planning
Changes to Probate Requirements: What Families Need to Know
New Zealand’s estate administration rules have recently been updated, making it easier in some situations for families to wind up a loved one’s affairs without applying for probate. These changes aim to reduce unnecessary time and cost for smaller or straightforward estates, while keeping important safeguards in place for more complex matters. WHAT HAS CHANGED?
December 21, 2025
Conveyancing
Chattels in Sale and Purchase Agreements – Being Clear Matters
When buying or selling residential property in New Zealand, one issue that frequently causes post-settlement disputes is the distinction between chattels and fixtures. Although it sounds technical, understanding this difference and recording items clearly in the agreement – can save both parties time, money, and unnecessary stress. Chattels are movable items of personal property that
December 21, 2025
Property Law
Government Announces Major Reset of The Earthquake-prone Building System
The Government has confirmed a significant overhaul of New Zealand’s earthquake-prone building (EPB) framework, following advice and analysis published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). These reforms aim to create a more proportionate, risk-focused system – one that targets higher-risk buildings and regions while reducing unnecessary cost pressures on owners and communities.
December 21, 2025
Newsletter
The Law Lowdown – SPRING 2025
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here
October 2, 2025
Family Trusts and Estate Planning
Trust Property Sales: Simplified Rules but Ongoing Responsibilities
Recent changes to New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT) have eased compliance requirements for family trusts, particularly when selling property. The reforms, in force from June 2025, respond to long-standing criticism that the old rules placed too much burden on low-risk transactions. What Has Changed Previously, whenever a trust was
October 2, 2025
Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney
Why Retirement Villages Require Enduring Powers of Attorney
When moving into a retirement village in New Zealand, new residents are usually asked to have an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) in place. This may feel like another bit of administration to add to the paperwork, but it is an important safeguard for both residents and their families. Why an EPA is Required An
October 2, 2025
Property Law
Understanding Easements
When you buy or own property in New Zealand, you may come across the term easement. Easements are a common legal feature of land ownership, and while they can sound technical, they play an important role in allowing landowners to use their property effectively. What is an Easement? An easement is a legal right to
October 2, 2025
General
Consumer Rights for Flight Disruption Costs
Recently Jetstar was ordered to pay a $2.25 million fine after misleading customers about their compensation rights when flights were cancelled or delayed for reasons within its control. The case made headlines and put the spotlight on what New Zealand travellers can reasonably expect when their journeys are disrupted. Flight cancellations, delays, and where boarding
October 2, 2025