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
Insight 7-Eleven vs Nike – What can New Zealand learn from this overseas lawsuit? The recent dispute between 7-Eleven and Nike in the United States highlights the increasing importance of protecting a brand's overall identity, beyond traditional trade marks such as word marks and logos. The case is significant because it does not centre on Nike using the "7-Eleven" name or logo. Instead, 7-Eleven argues that the combination of the shoe's colour scheme, its launch date and the surrounding marketing, was sufficient to create the impression that the shoe was connected with or endorsed by 7-Eleven. Read more
Insight New regulations making papakāinga developments easier New national papakāinga rules are now in force, creating a more consistent planning pathway for housing and related activities on Māori ancestral land. This article outlines where the new rules apply, what development may be permitted, and where resource consent may still be required. Read more
Insight Building Amendment Bill: proportionate liability reforms on the way The Building Amendment Bill, introduced to Parliament on 29 June 2026, is the latest in a series of Government reforms designed to tackle increased costs, delayed delivery and underperformance in the building sector. Read more
