Gifford Devine Rural News

Rural leases

Leasing of farms, orchards and cropping land is becoming more common. It is a good way for farming operations to expand without capital commitments involved in buying land. For landowners, it can be a useful way to retain ownership of the capital but give away the day-to-day farming operations, either through a desire to semi-retire or to hold the farming asset for a period while family or continued ownership issues are resolved.

Property briefs 2021

Property briefs – Autumn 2021

A warning from Insurance Council of New Zealand: Is your property fully insured? Also, we consider the implications of Stage 2 of the Residential Tenancies Act changes, now in force. Now that it is more difficult to remove an unwanted tenant from your rental property, it is crucial to do your due diligence on a prospective tenant, but be aware of their right to privacy.

Reverse Mortgages

Reverse mortgages

Some older homeowners are seeking ‘reverse mortgages’ from their lenders in order to release the growing equity in their property. Here’s what you need to know.

Commercial rent reviews

Rent reviews in commercial leases

An examination of a variety of clauses to suit different situations when rent is up for review in commercial leases.

Bsuiness meeting

New trusts legislation now in force

The Trusts Act 2019 came into force on 30 January 2021. One major topic of discussion arising from the new Act has been the provisions governing disclosure of trust information to beneficiaries.

Succession and trust law changes

Trustees’ expenses

Trustees’ expenses should be reimbursed, but no need for extravagance. When trustees incur expenses, they are not expected to be out of pocket in carrying out their responsibilities. Trustees are entitled to use trust money or to get a refund from the trust fund if they incur expenses in carrying out their duties.

trust law changes

Succession and trust law changes

Extension of Māori Land Court jurisdiction. A significant change to the succession laws relating to Māori land came into force on 6 February 2021 (Waitangi Day).

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Raising capital for your business

In 2020, the government introduced a raft of legislation to provide temporary relief for businesses struggling to navigate the effects of the Covid pandemic. Some relief measures, such as the safe harbour for company directors, have already expired, while others will expire this year unless they are renewed.

vaping

Having a puff at work

The COVID pandemic has paved the way for innovation, and many New Zealanders spent 2020 investing time and money into their new or existing businesses. 

business-men-talking

Business briefs Feb 2021

The COVID pandemic has paved the way for innovation, and many New Zealanders spent 2020 raising funding for their new or existing businesses.