News
Enforcement of a Disputes Tribunal Decision in New Zealand
A decision from the Disputes Tribunal is legally binding once it is sealed, and it can be enforced through the District Court if the other party does not comply. The
Disputes Tribunal vs Court in New Zealand: Which Should You Use?
Not sure whether to use the Disputes Tribunal or Court in New Zealand? Learn the key differences in cost, process, timeframes, and when each option is appropriate. When a dispute
Unfair Contract Terms: Why ‘standard Terms’ Are No Longer Low Risk in NZ
For years, many New Zealand businesses have relied on standard form contracts as a practical necessity – efficient, scalable, and rarely challenged. That’s changing. The Commerce Commission has signalled increased
Personal Grievances In New Zealand
In NZ thousands of personal grievances are lodged with the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) each. A personal grievance is a formal complaint that an employee can raise if they believe
AI in Business: Opportunity, Risk, Andwhat NZ Companies Must Get Right Now
Artificial intelligence is no longer experimental—it’s embedded in how New Zealand businesses market, hire, contract, and make decisions. But while adoption is accelerating, the legal guardrails are still catching up.
Things First Home Buyers in New Zealand Often Miss
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but without the right legal guidance it can quickly become an overwhelming, complex and costly nightmare. There are several steps that first
Property disputes between neighbours: what are your rights?
Introduction Property disputes between neighbours are common in New Zealand. They usually arise in relation to boundary issues, fences, encroachments, overhanging trees and easements. While these matters may begin as
Can a Property Sale Fall Through After Signing?
It is a question we are often asked: “Once a sale and purchase agreement is signed, can the deal still fall over?” The answer depends on whether the agreement is
Family Violence Leave: What You Need to Know
Tragically, New Zealand continues to have one of the highest rates of family violence in the OECD. Family violence leave is a key legal entitlement, designed to support employees affected
The Law Lowdown – SUMMER 2025
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here
Changes to Probate Requirements: What Families Need to Know
New Zealand’s estate administration rules have recently been updated, making it easier in some situations for families to wind up a loved one’s affairs without applying for probate. These changes
Five Crucial Aspects of Workplace Change and Redundancy
Redundancies have been on the increase over the past 12-months, and as New Zealand’s economic recovery is proving to be more sluggish than most had anticipated, redundancies may continue to