Gifford Devine is now accepting applications for our *2026/2027 Summer Clerkship Programme*. This is a great opportunity for law students to gain practical experience, work alongside our team of lawyers, and get a real insight into life at a leading Hawke’s Bay law firm.
If you are interested in joining us for the summer, please submit your application to Greg Howie.
*Applications close 30 April 2026.*
KiwiSaver changes open the door to first farm ownership
The government has announced important changes to KiwiSaver that will make it easier for farmers and rural workers to use their KiwiSaver to buy their first farm. These reforms acknowledge the unique way in which farms are owned and operated in New Zealand.
WorkSafe’s heightened focus on farm safety
WorkSafe New Zealand has promised greater attention to safety in the agricultural sector when it announced the new four-year ‘Statement of Intent’ on 4 December 2025.
An agreement to lease and a deed of lease
Understand the critical differences between an agreement to lease and a deed of lease in New Zealand commercial property, including assignment rights, bank financing requirements, and the importance of formalising day-to-day management obligations.
Caveats
Learn about the legal implications of caveats in New Zealand property law, including how they protect interests, the strict requirements for a “caveatable interest,” and the potential risks of compensation claims for improper registration.
Options to buy a property during a cost of living crisis
Discover alternative property ownership structures in New Zealand to combat high house prices, including parental lending, co-ownership with property sharing agreements, and iwi-based shared equity schemes.
Summer Clerkship Programme – Applications Now Open
Gifford Devine is now accepting applications for our *2026/2027 Summer Clerkship Programme*. This is a great opportunity for law students to gain practical experience, work alongside our team of lawyers, and get a real insight into life at a leading Hawke’s Bay law firm.
If you are interested in joining us for the summer, please submit your application to Greg Howie.
*Applications close 30 April 2026.*
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.