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
Insight When can farm debt mediation be bypassed? High Court provides first guidance The High Court has allowed a secured creditor to appoint receivers over farm property without first completing mandatory farm debt mediation. We look at the circumstances that justified this unusual step and what the decision means for farm creditors and debtors. Read more
Insight Proportionate liability will change procurement as much as it changes litigation New Zealand's proposed shift from joint and several liability to proportionate liability under the Building Act Amendment Bill (the Bill) in the building sector has attracted plenty of discussion. Most of it, so far, has focused on litigation — how will claims be structured, how will proceedings run, and whether claimants will be worse off without the opportunity to seek full recovery from deep-pocket defendants such as councils. Read more
Insight Leave it for now: Holidays Act changes are still two years away Significant changes to employees’ leave entitlements have been enacted by Parliament this week – but there’s no need to panic yet; the changes will only take effect two years after the Employment Leave Act (Act) receives Royal Assent. Read more
Insight Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill: Key Select Committee Changes New Zealand’s resource management reforms have taken another significant step forward, with the Planning Bill (PB) and Natural Environment Bill (NEB) now reported back by the Environment Select Committee. Read more
