Insight / Environment & Planning Excluded effects: a new line in the sand for planning decisions From 30 October, new excluded effects rules will change what councils can consider when assessing some land use consent applications. We explain how the rules affect councils and developers, and when a planning breach may no longer require consent. Read more
Insight / Relationship Property & Family Modern pathways to parenthood: private donors, surrogacy and adoption in New Zealand Building a family is a deeply personal journey and there are many paths to parenthood. Whether you are considering using a private sperm donor, exploring surrogacy or pursuing adoption, understanding the legal landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand is an important first step. Our Firm has extensive experience guiding individuals and couples through these processes, and we are here to help you navigate the way forward with confidence. Read more
Insight / Relationship Property & Family 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 / Consumer Markets 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 / Construction 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 / Environment & Planning 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
