Insights - Leading New Zealand Lawyers and Law Firm

The law can be complex, and it’s not always clear how it applies.

Our insights are designed to provide an overview of changes in legislation, an understanding of key regulatory issues, and recent case law relevant to our clients’ world.

Keep up to date with the insights that matter the most.

Recent Articles

News / Firm

Wynn Williams announces senior associate and associate promotions

Wynn Williams is delighted to announce the promotion of nine lawyers from across the Firm, in both the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Ōtautahi Christchurch offices.

Insight / Construction

Fuel crisis: how rising fuel costs affect construction projects and contracts

The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East have sent fuel prices sharply upward in recent weeks, with diesel in New Zealand rising at more than double the rate of standard grade petrol. For construction projects, where fuel is a significant cost across the whole supply chain, the impact is being felt quickly and acutely. Owners and contractors across New Zealand are grappling with how these increased costs should be allocated, and what their contractual rights and obligations are in the current environment.

News / Firm

Four partners promoted at Wynn Williams

Wynn Williams is delighted to announce the promotion of four new partners – Christina Twyman, Danita Ferreira, Katherine Binsted and Kate Bradley – as of 1 April 2026. Their appointment brings the number of Wynn Williams partners to 29.

Insight / Environment & Planning

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 changes from 31 March 2026: What you need to know

Are you preparing a fast-track approval application? If so, you need to be aware of changes taking effect on 31 March 2026. The Fast-track Approvals Amendment Act 2025 amends the fast-track approvals process in several respects. It will affect how applications are prepared, consulted on, assessed and decided. The key amendments are summarised below.

Insight / Local Government

Rules about discharges – what regional councils need to know

The Environment Court issued its second interim decision on the proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 (PC1) at the end of February in the case of Oji Fibre Solutions (NZ) Limited v Waikato Regional Council [2026] NZEnvC 033.

Insight / Corporate Advisory & Transactions

New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa

New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa is the country's principal residency-by-investment pathway. It is designed to attract investors who can help New Zealand companies access global knowledge networks, capital, and markets, with the aim of boosting business productivity and job growth.