News and Helpful Articles

The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Act 2017 (AML/CFT Act) – Whats required? It has been reported by the Justice Department that every year around $1.35 billion of proceeds from fraud and illegal drugs are laundered through New Zealand businesses. Criminals launder money through businesses to avoid detection. Those who finance terrorism to support violent causes also use this method to disguise who is providing and receiving the money. T

What’s happening? The new Trust Act 2019 (“the Act”) comes into effect from January 2021. It is estimated there are over 500,000 trusts in New Zealand and the Act will have an extraordinary impact on thousands of New Zealanders This is a considerable time of change and there is significant work to be carried out in getting prepared for the changes, We want to ensure that our clients are ready for the changes before January 30, 2021 deadline, this leaves us less than 10 month

COVID-19 contactless services The response to Covid-19 lockdown has introduced new challenges for lawyers to work remotely and provide a contactless service, including signing legal documents. These restrictions will continue as we move into Level 3 this week. The process of signing documents and verification of identity must now be completed remotely in a secure and reliable way. For property law, that includes complying with the requirements of Land Information New Zealand

As of midnight, on Wednesday 25th March, an unprecedented number of NZ businesses were not able to access their business premises due to Government restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. If your lease is on the current (sixth) edition of the Auckland District Law Society (ADLS) form of lease, it is likely to contain a “no access” clause allowing for a reduction in rent where there is an emergency and the tenant can’t gain access to the premises to fully conduct the

The Trusts Act 2019 , which came into effect in January 2021, introduced important changes affecting trustees and beneficiaries across New Zealand. If you’re a trustee or beneficiary in Pukekohe, South Auckland, or Waiheke, understanding these changes is crucial to ensure your trust complies with the law. Key Duties Imposed on Trustees The Act clearly defines mandatory duties that trustees must follow, some of which cannot be modified or excluded by a trust deed. These includ

Your will sets out your instructions on how you want your property, known as your estate, shared out when you die and how you want your dependants, such as your partner or children, to be looked after. Having a valid will in place when you die can reduce the amount of financial and emotional stress on your family, and can reduce the possibility of a dispute arising over your estate. If you are over 18 years of age and of sound mind, then you are able to make a will. There

As you probably know, if you are in a relationship of three or more years duration you will be subject to the equal sharing provisions of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (unless you enter into a “Contracting Out Agreement” or “Prenup.”) This applies to marriages, civil unions and de facto relationships and in the case of marriages and civil unions any immediately preceding de facto relationship between the parties will be counted as part of the marriage or civil union.

Are you leasing the premises from which you run your business? The Landlord may require you to enter into a commercial lease recording the terms on which the premises are leased. Typically the following details are included in a commercial lease: The name of the landlord and the tenant. The name of the guarantor. The landlord may require you to personally guarantee the lease. A description of the premises to be leased. Whether car parks are included in the lease. The ter