
Our insights
Specialist legal expertise is a valuable advantage. We’re passionate about applying our knowledge to help clients overcome challenges, identify opportunities and make confident decisions. Explore our latest insights, articles and updates.
The Most Expensive Words in a Business Sale: “We’ll Sort That Out Later”
When key commercial terms are left unresolved before signing, business transactions can quickly become more complicated, more expensive, and more stressful than they need to be. Chad Danswan's article explores why vendors and purchasers should ensure the important details are agreed before signing the REINZ/ADLS Agreement for Sale and Purchase of a Business.
When Life Changes, Should Your Will Change Too?
Relationship changes can have unexpected consequences for your Will, potentially affecting who benefits from your estate and who is responsible for administering it. In this article, Sharnae McVerry explains how marriage, separation, divorce and de facto relationships can affect your Will, and why it is important to review your estate planning when your circumstances change.
No Will and a Contracting Out Agreement: Who Gets What?
Can a surviving partner claim under both a Contracting Out Agreement and the intestacy rules? In this article Jessie Sanders explains the Supreme Court’s answer and why your agreement and will should work together.
How Do I Object to Charges and Costs Issued by Council?
Council fees and charges under the Resource Management Act can sometimes be higher than expected, particularly where additional work is required during the consent process. In this article, Charlotte Muggeridge explains when council charges can be challenged, the objection process available under the RMA, and the key timeframes and considerations for anyone considering an objection.
Charges and prosecutions under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA)
Resource Management Act prosecutions can have serious consequences, including significant fines and criminal liability. In this article, Charlotte Muggeridge explains how RMA breaches are enforced, what happens if you are prosecuted, and the key risks and rights to be aware of.
Without Prejudice Chat: Employer Do’s and Don’ts
Without Prejudice conversations are commonly entered into by parties to a workplace dispute, but they are not without risk. Evanna Lafferty outlines the key “do’s” and “don’ts” of these conversations for employers, to ensure that legal privilege is properly applied.
A million-dollar mistake – the Employee who tried to steal his Employer’s supplier
Both employers and employees have good faith and fidelity obligations to each other during the employment relationship. Adherence to these is not optional, and failure to do so can result in serious consequences for the breaching party. In this article, Evanna Lafferty outlines why an employee in a recent Employment Court case was ordered to pay almost one-million dollars in damages to his employer for breaching these obligations.
Age-based gifts in wills – when they work and when they don’t
Many people include age restrictions in their wills to prevent young beneficiaries from receiving an inheritance too soon. In this article, partner Matthew Peploe explains why those restrictions do not always work as intended and how the Trusts Act 2019 can allow beneficiaries to access their inheritance earlier than expected.
The Residential Care Subsidy: Planning Today for Tomorrow’s Care
Planning for long-term residential care involves more than health considerations, with asset ownership, trusts and gifting potentially affecting eligibility for financial assistance. In this article Mia Paintin outlines how the Residential Care Subsidy works and why early estate planning can be important for future eligibility.








