Legal News.
Latest legal news and events in our backyard.
The Law Lowdown – SUMMER 2025
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here
Government Announces Major Reset of The Earthquake-prone Building System
The Government has confirmed a significant overhaul of New Zealand’s earthquake-prone building (EPB) framework, following advice and analysis published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). These reforms aim to create a more proportionate, risk-focused system – one that targets higher-risk buildings and regions while reducing unnecessary cost pressures on owners and communities. A bill to give effect to the changes, the Building (Earthquake-prone Building System Reform) Amendment Bill, is expected to be introduced soon. TARGETING THE BUILDINGS
Chattels in Sale and Purchase Agreements – Being Clear Matters
When buying or selling residential property in New Zealand, one issue that frequently causes post-settlement disputes is the distinction between chattels and fixtures. Although it sounds technical, understanding this difference and recording items clearly in the agreement – can save both parties time, money, and unnecessary stress. Chattels are movable items of personal property that do not form part of the land or buildings. Common examples include appliances, curtains, blinds, removable heaters, and freestanding light fittings. By contrast, fixtures are
Changes to Probate Requirements: What Families Need to Know
New Zealand’s estate administration rules have recently been updated, making it easier in some situations for families to wind up a loved one’s affairs without applying for probate. These changes aim to reduce unnecessary time and cost for smaller or straightforward estates, while keeping important safeguards in place for more complex matters. WHAT HAS CHANGED? The most notable reform is the increase of the threshold from $15,000 to $40,000. This threshold determines when banks, KiwiSaver providers and other financial institutions
New Pet Rules for Residential Tenancies – Landlords and Tenants take notice
Major changes to the Residential Tenancies Act take effect on 1 December 2025, introducing a clearer and more balanced framework for pets in rental properties. The reforms aim to make it easier for tenants to keep pets while giving landlords practical tools to manage risks, set conditions, and recover the cost of any pet-related damage. KEY CHANGES AT A GLANCE HOW THE CONSENT PROCESS WORKS Tenants may request permission in writing at any time. A clear description of the pet
The Law Lowdown – SPRING 2025
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here