Insight Buying or selling property? How to avoid property payment scams Before you pay a property deposit, settlement funds or a related invoice, pause and independently confirm the bank details by phone, even when the request looks genuine. The Christmas ‘silly season’ can add extra pressure to an already busy property transaction. Between work deadlines, school events, travel plans and family commitments, it is easy to feel you need to deal with a payment request straight away. If you are trying to settle before the holidays, arrange payment and verification steps with your lawyer early. However busy things get, do not let the rush replace a quick check before money moves. Read more
Insight Public Works Act reforms: faster acquisition, better compensation, fewer objections The Public Works Amendment Act 2026 has changed how land is acquired for public works in New Zealand, including new incentive payments for landowners and streamlined acquisition processes. We look at the key changes, when they apply and what they mean in practice. Read more
Insight Modern slavery reporting: New Zealand moves closer to Australian model New Zealand’s Modern Slavery Bill has been reported back to Parliament, with the Education and Workforce Committee recommending that the majority of it be passed. The proposed regime now more closely reflects Australia’s established reporting framework, while retaining stronger enforcement consequences. Read more
Insight Privacy in New Zealand: what counts as personal information and common misconceptions Read more
Insight Excluded effects: a new line in the sand for planning decisions From 30 October, new excluded effects rules will change what councils can consider when assessing some land use consent applications. We explain how the rules affect councils and developers, and when a planning breach may no longer require consent. Read more
Insight Modern pathways to parenthood: private donors, surrogacy and adoption in New Zealand Building a family is a deeply personal journey and there are many paths to parenthood. Whether you are considering using a private sperm donor, exploring surrogacy or pursuing adoption, understanding the legal landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand is an important first step. Our Firm has extensive experience guiding individuals and couples through these processes, and we are here to help you navigate the way forward with confidence. Read more
Insight Following separation, what contributions should be factored in? When a relationship ends, dividing property is not simply a matter of drawing a line at the date of separation and splitting the assets and liabilities that existed at that point. The process also requires an equitable accounting of what has occurred between separation and the eventual settlement, including the contributions each partner has made during that intervening period. New Zealand's Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (Act) provides the framework for this exercise. Read more
Insight Privacy Complaints All New Zealand businesses must comply with the Privacy Act 2020 (Act) and the Information Privacy Principles (IPPs) when dealing with personal information. An apparent failure to comply can prompt a complaint, which may lead to legal consequences. Read more
