Relationship Property – Do We Need a Separation Agreement?
One of the most common questions we hear from new clients is, “If we both agree on how to divide everything, why do we need lawyers?” When couples separate or ...
Disputes Tribunal Maximum Claim Doubles
On 24 January 2026, the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal increased from $30,000.00 to $60,000.00. Effectively doubling the maximum claim. This is a significant change for individuals and businesses ...
Farm Succession Planning & Avoiding the Potholes
Succession planning can feel overwhelming. Far from the simplicity of watching the rugby or cricket. The process requires balancing deeply personal goals with long-term strategy. You might be wondering what ...
First Home Buyers – Gair up for home ownership at Gair Ave
If you are a first home buyer that has been disheartened that you are contending with investors and families who already have the benefit of established wealth, there is some ...
New Village Access Loans: for Kiwis Moving into Retirement
Retirement is a time for relaxation, not financial stress. But for many Kiwis, moving into a retirement village, means selling their home first. This can take time if the market ...
New Fast-Track Approval Act – What It Means for Us
It means big news! In December 2024, the Government launched the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024 (the Act), designed to cut through the red tape and speed up the consenting process ...
Commercial Property Landlords – Kickstart 2025 Prepared
As the commercial property landscape continues to evolve, here is a brief checklist for commercial landlords. Aim to work through all items early this year to prepare for success in ...
Doreen Evans spearheaded a fundraising project to help the community in more ways than expected
Lot 47 – A home the community built with such passion and positivity In 2018 Cromwell St John were planning to build a new state of the art Ambulance Station ...
Enduring Powers of Attorney (“EPAs”)
What Happens if Someone Loses Mental Capacity Without EPAs? With September having been Wills month, it is timely to review all of your estate planning. That includes ensuring you have ...
Water Services Act – Update
We have provided updates and analysis on the Water Services Act 2021 previously, being legislation introduced to ensure safe, sustainable and equitable water services for New Zealand. The legislation followed ...
When there’s a Will, there’s a Way
Wills month is coming up. Whilst the inevitability of death can be hard to confront, taking proactive steps to get your affairs in order provides peace of mind, ensuring your ...
Businesses Use “Quiet Times” Efficiently
Some industries are experiencing a “quiet time,” due to a downturn in the market. When workflows are down, it is an ideal time for businesses to review legal compliance and ...
A brief summary of the home purchase process
A brief summary of the purchase process is: Locate a property you would like to buy. Have your three top wants. However, remember this is not your forever home. This ...
Family Trusts – Trust in our Trusts?
There has been various media coverage about the government’s announcement to increase the trustee tax rate (from 33% to 39%; with the change to take effect from 1 April 2024). ...
Buying Your First Home
Hot tips from Solicitor Adam Stobo-Wright who has recently purchased his first home in Cromwell. Congrats Adam! Consider your eligibility for Kiwisaver withdrawals and Kainga Ora first home grant. These ...
Incorporated Societies Act 2022
Key Changes to Prepare for Many of us are involved in Incorporated Societies through sporting, hobby, philanthropic and residents’ groups. The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 (the new Act) was passed ...
Covid-19 and the workplace
There is a lot of uncertainty around Covid-19 and whether businesses that are not covered by a government mandate can still require certain job positions to be performed by vaccinated ...
Are Family Trusts still useful ownership vehicles?
In our opinion Family Trusts are still useful ownership vehicles for assets, in particular assets that increase in value such as land. Reasons include: Health and safety legislation is strict ...
Terms of Trade – important when given credit in tough times
Economists are predicting tough times ahead. Now is a good time to review or put in place terms of trade if you sell goods or services on credit. “Terms of ...
Property Easements: What are they?
Easements are a property law term used to mean an interest in property that gives one person (“benefited land”) the right to use part of another person’s land (“burdened land”) ...