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
Insight Fast-track development contributions: Government narrows the infrastructure funding gap The Government has made changes to the Local Government Act 2002 to address an issue increasingly exposed by New Zealand’s fast-track consenting regime: who pays when development occurs ahead of council infrastructure planning? Read more
Insight The RMA has left the building (sort of): what comes next? After 35 years, 29 Amendment Acts and a near-miss in 2023, the Resource Management Act 1991 is finally being replaced. Read more
Insight Whakaari-White Island Eruption Coronial Inquiry – Phase Two The second phase of the Whakaari/White Island (Whakaari) Eruption Coronial Inquiry is underway, continuing one of the most significant coronial inquiries undertaken in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Inquiry relates to the eruption of Whakaari on 9 December 2019, which resulted in the deaths of 22 people and significant injuries to 25 others. Read more
Insight Contracting out agreements and intestacy. What the Supreme Court’s Rimmer v Wilton decision means The Supreme Court has recently issued an important decision, Rimmer v Wilton [2026] NZSC 122, that will be of interest to anyone who has entered a contracting out agreement (sometimes called a “prenup” or section 21 agreement) or who is thinking about their estate planning. Read more
Insight DIY wills in New Zealand: what are the risks? Making a will is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your whānau, yet many people hesitate because they worry about cost or complexity. A professionally prepared will provides clarity, protection and peace of mind, reducing the risk of disputes and delays at a difficult time. When measured against the potential cost of sorting out mistakes later, tailored legal advice is always better value than a do‑it‑yourself kit. Read more
Insight Government seeks feedback on Illustrative National Policy Direction On 25 August 2026 RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court released the Illustrative National Policy Direction (INPD) for public consultation and feedback. The National Policy Direction (NPD) forms a key part of the new legislative framework replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), sitting below the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill. Read more
