If you have a prenup, you need to check that both your prenup and your will agree on what should happen to your property when you die. We take a closer look at how a recent case has impacted the rules.
Trustees face personal liability for trust debts; it’s important to understand your rights and the risks if the trust’s assets are depleted, illustrated in this update about a key Australian court case.
https://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/butter.jpg300560Torrihttps://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Gifford-Devine-Hastings-Logo.jpgTorri2026-02-24 16:49:552026-02-24 18:29:58Trustees taking on liabilities of the trust
Inland Revenue is unlikely to pursue its controversial proposal to tax New Zealand charities’ business income, opting instead for increased scrutiny and better enforcement of existing laws.
https://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/methane.jpg300560Torrihttps://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Gifford-Devine-Hastings-Logo.jpgTorri2026-02-24 16:30:422026-02-25 11:51:41Taxing the business income of charities
The RMA is on its way out, set to be replaced by an entirely new resource management system that the government has described as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ reform. The new system will reshape development and environmental decision-making for the foreseeable future.
Our latest round up of what’s happening in Commercial Law, including: the launch of the new Business Investor Visa; Responsible AI usage; HelloFresh and the Fair Trading Act 1986.
The Commerce Commission has now completed the country’s first criminal cartel prosecution with two sentences imposed on two construction companies in the High Court in Auckland.
https://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Commercial-Law-Hawkes-Bay-Uber-FB.jpg788940Torrihttps://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Gifford-Devine-Hastings-Logo.jpgTorri2026-01-27 10:19:022026-01-27 13:40:35Uber drivers are employees – for now
In August, Fonterra announced that Lactalis will take ownership of iconic New Zealand brands such as Anchor and Mainland; it comes as part of Fonterra’s strategy to pursue an increased emphasis on its ingredients and foodservice businesses.
https://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Fonterra-Hands-The-Reins-To-Lactalis-Social.jpg788940Torrihttps://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Gifford-Devine-Hastings-Logo.jpgTorri2025-12-15 15:48:542025-12-15 16:48:17Moo-ving on
We take a close look at: new limits on farmland to forestry conversions; the increase in Disputes Tribunal jurisdiction; and Health and Safety considerations for farm visits.
https://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Over-The-Fence-Rural-Law-Forestry-Social.jpg788940Torrihttps://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Gifford-Devine-Hastings-Logo.jpgTorri2025-12-15 15:35:582025-12-15 16:36:28Over the fence
In October 2025, the government confirmed it will reset New Zealand’s biogenic methane target for 2050 to a 14–24% range, while keeping the 10% cut by 2030 and the net-zero target for long-lived gases.
Death, property and prenups
If you have a prenup, you need to check that both your prenup and your will agree on what should happen to your property when you die. We take a closer look at how a recent case has impacted the rules.
Trustees taking on liabilities of the trust
Trustees face personal liability for trust debts; it’s important to understand your rights and the risks if the trust’s assets are depleted, illustrated in this update about a key Australian court case.
Taxing the business income of charities
Inland Revenue is unlikely to pursue its controversial proposal to tax New Zealand charities’ business income, opting instead for increased scrutiny and better enforcement of existing laws.
New Zealand’s Resource Management Act overhaul
The RMA is on its way out, set to be replaced by an entirely new resource management system that the government has described as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ reform. The new system will reshape development and environmental decision-making for the foreseeable future.
Business briefs
Our latest round up of what’s happening in Commercial Law, including: the launch of the new Business Investor Visa; Responsible AI usage; HelloFresh and the Fair Trading Act 1986.
New Zealand’s criminal cartel regime
The Commerce Commission has now completed the country’s first criminal cartel prosecution with two sentences imposed on two construction companies in the High Court in Auckland.
Uber drivers are employees – for now
Late last year, the Supreme Court decided that Uber drivers are employees. An employment law lifeline, however, has been proposed.
Moo-ving on
In August, Fonterra announced that Lactalis will take ownership of iconic New Zealand brands such as Anchor and Mainland; it comes as part of Fonterra’s strategy to pursue an increased emphasis on its ingredients and foodservice businesses.
Over the fence
We take a close look at: new limits on farmland to forestry conversions; the increase in Disputes Tribunal jurisdiction; and Health and Safety considerations for farm visits.
New Zealand’s methane reset
In October 2025, the government confirmed it will reset New Zealand’s biogenic methane target for 2050 to a 14–24% range, while keeping the 10% cut by 2030 and the net-zero target for long-lived gases.