Understanding the Trusts Act 2019: What Trustees and Beneficiaries Need to Know
- Arnet Law
- Apr 20, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 8

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 include:
Acting honestly and in good faith
Acting for the benefit of all beneficiaries
Exercising trustee powers for proper purposes only
Trustees are now required to maintain and disclose basic trust information to beneficiaries when requested, including:
Confirming a person’s status as a beneficiary
Providing contact details of trustees
Sharing basic financial information
Keeping records as specified by the Act
What Beneficiaries Should Expect
Since 2021, trustees must proactively inform beneficiaries of their status and provide regular updates about the trust, even without requests. Beneficiaries have the right to:
Access the trust deed
Know the current trustees
Review essential financial information
What You Need to Do Now
Arnet Law has welcomed Natalie Picton as our new Trust Administrator to help our clients review and update their trusts in line with the new requirements. Whether you are already a client or need advice about the Trusts Act 2019, contact us to schedule your trust review.
Ignoring these obligations may lead to serious consequences, including:
Beneficiaries raising formal complaints
Court applications to remove trustees who fail to comply
How Arnet Law Can Help with the Trusts Act 2019
If you are a trustee or beneficiary in Pukekohe, South Auckland, Waiheke, or surrounding areas, our experienced legal team can provide straightforward advice and assistance to ensure your trust remains compliant with the Trusts Act 2019. Contact Arnet Law today to discuss your options and get expert guidance.
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