Legal News.
Latest legal news and events in our backyard.
The Law Lowdown – WINTER 2025
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here
Understanding Separate vs Relationship Property
Under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (PRA), everything a couple owns is sorted into two baskets when they separate or when one partner dies: relationship property and separate property. Knowing which basket an asset falls into can prevent costly arguments later. Relationship property Most things acquired during a marriage, civil union or qualifying de-facto relationship (usually three years or more) are presumed to belong to both partners equally. Typical examples include: Separate property Separate property normally stays with the person
Why You Should Have Enduring Powers of Attorney in Place
Planning ahead isn’t just about writing a will – it also involves ensuring that trusted people can make decisions for you if you are no longer able to do so. In New Zealand, this is done through Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs), and every adult should consider having these in place. There are two types of EPAs: Personal Care and Welfare EPA – This allows someone you trust (your attorney) to make decisions about your health, medical treatment, and general
The Law Lowdown – Autumn 2025
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here
Change to Parliamentary Term?
Among the world’s liberal democracies, Australia and New Zealand are notable for retaining three-year parliamentary terms. This term length is now uncommon, as the majority of countries with active legislatures have four-or five-year terms. It’s important to note that while other countries, such as El Salvador, Mexico, Nauru, and the Philippines, also have threeyear terms for certain legislative bodies, they may not all be classified strictly as liberal democracies. In Australia, the federal House of Representatives operates on a maximum
Public Works Act Reforms: What it Means for Landowners
The Government has announced fast-tracked reforms to the Public Works Act (PWA), aiming to speed up compulsory land acquisitions for major infrastructure projects. These changes will significantly impact individual landowners, particularly those affected by Fast-Track approvals projects and Roads of National Significance. KEY CHANGES AFFECTING LANDOWNERS NO MORE OBJECTIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENT COURT Currently, landowners can object to a compulsory acquisition in the Environment Court, which assesses whether the acquisition is fair, sound, and reasonably necessary. Under the reforms: FASTER,
