Reforming New Zealand’s Resource Management Act: An overview of what the new Proposed Legislative Changes Mean Overview of the Reform New Zealand is moving to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) with a new, more streamlined system focused on enabling development while protecting the environment. The Government has confirmed that the RMA is to be…
Rising housing density, together with continual shifts in legislation, is leading to a noticeable increase in neighbour‑to‑neighbour legal conflicts. Issues like boundary encroachments, fencing disagreements, rights‑of‑way access, and liability for natural hazards are becoming more common in the legal arena. Each situation has its own nuances, so having a clear understanding of your rights and…
New Zealand’s housing market is facing a new threat by way of climate change. As floods, erosion, and landslips escalate, insurers are red lining thousands of properties, leaving some homeowners with soaring premiums, or worst-case scenario, with no cover at all. One such insurer, Tower Insurance has led a shift to risk based pricing, using…
From 1 July 2025, Healthy Homes Standards are mandatory. Ensure your property meets heating, insulation, and ventilation requirements to avoid fines.
Co-ownership in property refers to a legal arrangement where two or more individuals jointly own a piece of real estate. This model is increasingly popular among first-time buyers, investors, and even friends or family members looking to pool resources to enter the housing market or property investment space.
Employer clients are asking us about the process and fees for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) which allows businesses to hire migrants on visas for up to 3 years.
We are often asked to give advice in respect of loan and security agreements that were not documented at the time that money was advanced. While unwritten arrangements are common between “friendly” parties such as family members, or a company and its directors, matters can be confused over time by factors such as changes in…
Unit Titles Act – changes afoot to modernise and strengthen existing legislation The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Bill (“the Bill”) was introduced into Parliament in July 2020. The Bill received its first reading on 10th March 2021 and has now progressed to the select committee for further scrutiny. At…
Grant Harris, a director of Harris Tate Lawyers, and Michelle Igasan, an Associate of the firm, recently presented to the Tauranga Property Investors Association on the key changes brought about by the new Trusts Act 2019 (the “New Act”) and its implications for trustees, beneficiaries and requirements for existing trusts in light of the New…
The new Privacy Act 2020: overview of changes to New Zealand’s privacy laws and its impact on Landlords and Property managers. The new Privacy Act 2020 (“Act”) came into force on 1 December 2020, repealing and replacing its outdated predecessor – the now defunct Privacy Act 1993. The new Act has been drafted to reflect…
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