When buying or owning property with someone else, it is easy to focus on the practical details and overlook how the ownership is recorded. However, the way a property is owned can have important consequences later on, particularly when it comes to estate planning and what happens after an owner passes away.

Malloy Goodwin Harford and Harkness Henry have merged, bringing together two respected New Zealand law firms with a shared commitment to exceptional client service, trusted relationships and practical legal advice.

Subdivision can create new opportunities for sale or development, but it involves a structured process of approvals, technical work and legal steps. Here’s an overview of how it all comes together.

Joint bank accounts are often viewed as a convenient way to assist aging family members to manage their funds in this increasingly technological world. However, while joint bank accounts may simplify day to day banking and bill payments for aging family members, they can create complications from an estate planning and estate administration perspective. Understanding these risks is essential before adding another person to an account or relying on joint ownership as an estate planning strategy.

Are you involved with a society incorporated as a board under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957? If you are, do you know how the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 applies to your society? This article looks at the implications of the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 for societies incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act.

From 28 May 2026, licensed premises can accept approved digital ID as evidence of age for alcohol purchases. While this is a relatively small regulatory amendment, it represents a significant shift toward digital verification in everyday transactions. Operators will need to make conscious decisions about whether and how to adopt it.

The recently issued 2026 Penalty Guidelines provide important insights into how the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) will approach enforcement outcomes under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

Cross leases are a familiar form of property ownership in New Zealand — and a common source of conflict when homes are altered. In Liow v Martelli, the Court of Appeal has clarified how consent should be approached, reshaping decades of practice.

Thinking of adding a shed or garage to a cross lease property? What seems like a simple upgrade can have serious legal consequences if the title isn’t handled correctly. This article explains how cross leases work, when consents and an updated flats plan are required, and how to avoid creating a defective title.