Insight New Biometric Processing Privacy Code has implications for NZ businesses Earlier this month, the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner introduced the Biometric Processing Privacy Code (Code). The Code is set to come into force on 3 November 2025, although businesses already undertaking biometric processing activities have until 3 August 2026 to comply. Read more
Insight Building consent reforms: move towards proportional liability In a significant move for the construction and legal sectors, the Government has announced its intention to implement the most substantial overhaul of building consent processes since the Building Act came into effect in 2004. Two key announcements were made earlier this week: Read more
Insight Fast paced reform: RMA Amendment Bill to put the brakes on planning processes The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill has progressed at pace and passed its third reading on 14 August 2025. The Amendment Bill is part of a series of legislative amendments (along with the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act), intended to progress certain Government priorities in the resource management space before the complete replacement of the RMA in 2026. Read more
News Wynn Williams advises NZ Windfarms on $91M takeover by Meridian Energy Wynn Williams is proud to have advised NZ Windfarms Limited on its successful acquisition by NZX-listed Meridian Energy Limited, marking a significant milestone in New Zealand’s renewable energy sector. Read more
Insight Supreme Court clarifies key principles in misstatement cases The Supreme Court’s recent decision in Routhan v PGG Wrightson Real Estate Ltd [2025] NZSC 68 provided critical guidance on how damages are assessed in negligent misstatement cases under New Zealand law. The Court clarified that recoverable loss is not determined solely by causation and remoteness, but also by examining the ‘scope of duty’ (whether the loss relates to a risk the defendant fairly assumed responsibility for). The decision refined the influential principles from South Australia Asset Management Corp v York Montague Ltd [1997] AC 191 (HL) (SAAMCO) and will be of particular interest to professionals whose advice may influence another’s decision-making. Read more
Insight Navigating the world of not-for-profits Kiwis are known for their generosity when giving to charities and New Zealand consistently ranks highly in studies as one of the most generous nations per capita. This helps explain why there are so many charities in New Zealand – over 28,000 are registered according to the Department of Internal Affairs. Read more
Insight Legal guardians and wills: what every parent needs to know If you're a parent, one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child’s future is to ensure your will is up to date — including naming someone you trust to make decisions about your child if something happens to you. In New Zealand, there are two main ways someone can become a guardian of your child under the Care of Children Act 2004: either by being appointed in your will (as a “testamentary guardian”) or by the Family Court. Read more
Insight Don’t let a breakup break up your business When it comes to talking business and considering risk, often the last thing that comes to mind is what might happen to the business if a personal relationship ends. While it might not be front of mind, it is still an essential consideration as New Zealand relationship property law can turn a business into a battleground in the event of separation. Read more
