Our insights Archives

The Importance of giving Dispute Resolution Clauses your Attention

27 March 2025

Dispute resolution clauses can be easily overlooked. However, it is always important to consider what processes are specified in your contract before committing. Here we consider one of the potential downsides of an arbitration clause – for the unsuccessful party at least. This is a useful reminder to consider the pros and cons of the processes that you are signing up for and to seek advice if you have any questions about how those processes might work.

The Road Ahead: Key Changes in the Public Works Act

25 March 2025

The Public Works Act (PWA) is set to have a review, with the principles of efficiency, effectiveness and clarity leading the charge. From land acquisition to compensation processes, the modernised law will offer new challenges and opportunities. This article takes a closer look at the key reforms, the potential effects on private landowners and how they are paving the way for a more effective and forward-thinking approach to public infrastructure.

Summer Clerk Experiences

18 March 2025

Harkness Henry recently welcomed another outstanding Clerks to our 2024/2025 Summer Clerk programme. Nicole Cutler, based in our Hamilton office worked in a variety of practice areas primary being employment.

New bill to allow public holiday alcohol sales

25 February 2025

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day Morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day) Amendment Bill (introduced by Labour MP, Kieran McAnulty) has been drawn from the ballot. The Bill seeks to repeal rules that limit the sale of alcohol on public holidays.

Hamilton City Council’s Plan Change 14 – Flood mapping

16 January 2025

This article provides a summary of the proposed changes to flood mapping by Hamilton City Council and next steps for those affected.

Essential Tips for Vendors and Purchasers: What Colcroft Holdings v Meadows Teaches Us

14 November 2024

The recent High Court Judgment of Colcroft Holdings Limited v Meadows, illustrates important lessons when buying and selling property. Here are some key takeaways that will help you get your ducks in a row if you are interested in buying property.

Cultivating the Future: what the National Policy Statement on Highly Productive Land means for rural landowners

22 October 2024

Rural landowners often consider developing or subdividing their land. This article explores one key aspect and how it might impact these plans.

Navigating the New Norms: Key Changes to Incorporated Society Rules

25 June 2024

If you are involved with running an incorporated society, you need to be aware of the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 (the New Act) and the obligations this New Act creates for you.

Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill

6 June 2024

The Government is continuing its phased approach to its promised resource management reform. Phase one of the reform repealed the Natural and Built Environment Act and Spatial Planning Act. These Acts were repealed in December 2023.

Implications of Waikato Regional Plan Change 1

What is a LIM Report and why we recommend purchasers get one.

3 May 2024

Harkness Henry recommends that all purchasers invest in a Land Information Memorandum (LIM Report) as part of their investigations into a property that they are interested in purchasing.