Property briefs

The new government has brought in significant changes to the property sector; we outline what these could mean for you.

Easements

In this article we explain the types of easements, their maintenance and repair, and your obligations, and what can happen if there are issues around costs and who pays.

Commercial leasing and landlord consent

If you are a landlord owning commercial property, you may want to know how your tenant can make changes to the premises, or its use of the premises, without speaking to you about it first. If you are a tenant, you may want to know what you can do without being in contact with your landlord.

Can your ex-spouse claim your property when you die?

Agreeing on a division of relationship property after you and your spouse separate can be fraught. Usually, emotions are highly charged.

Estates and guarantees

Guarantees entered into by a person during their lifetime can create some difficult legal issues for their executor after they die.

Making a bequest to a charity

For many charities, gifts in wills (bequests) are a significant source of funding.
Sometimes, however, charitable bequests cannot take effect when wills are not carefully drafted. This article looks at ways your wishes for a charitable bequest have the best prospect of being fulfilled.

Business briefs

Cartel conduct: New Zealand’s first ever criminal cartel prosecution; New privacy rules for biometrics; New reporting obligations for large businesses

Whakaari/White Island eruption

The eruption of Whakaari/White Island on 9 December 2019 was a tragedy. The last of the prosecutions brought by WorkSafe due to the eruption concluded on 31 October 2023. We look at the lessons landowners and company directors can learn from these prosecutions.

Trial periods vs probation periods

We explain the differences between trial and probation periods to enable you to better understand your options.

Property briefs

First Home Partner scheme: on pause; Council delays for property developers; Short-term accommodation – take care; Election impact on property issues