Historic rates arrears on Māori land has been a barrier for landowners to develop their land. The upcoming changes will mean that local authority chief executives will have the ability to write-off rates arrears on Māori and non-Māori land if the rates are deemed to be unrecoverable.
Many New Zealanders have embraced the use of trusts as a tool for asset protection and planning. Conservative estimates indicate that there could be between 300,000 to 500,000 trusts currently in our country.
A rising tide lifts all boats and when it comes to legal services in Taranaki we believe that attracting fresh, committed and passionate lawyers results in local businesses benefiting from the best in world-class legal talent.
What have you agreed to in all those Ts & Cs you never read?
January 2020
9 January 2020
Gym contracts, website Ts & Cs that you click to “agree” to, the lengthy terms and conditions you accept every time you enter a competition to win an overseas holiday, each time you download an app, your supermarket’s loyalty card. Each time you agree to these things you enter a contract.
While the employee in question did lose his job, his advice to anyone in the same situation, was: “I definitely recommend Joe [the clown] – he’s one of the best around”.
The countdown to the end of the year is on, and with that usually comes the highly anticipated work Christmas party. Work Christmas parties are often seen as a well-earned chance to let loose after a busy year. Unfortunately many of us know a story or two where such an event has gone seriously wrong.
Operating from the heart of the country’s premier oil and gas region, having a strong understanding of the sector’s regulations, and knowing the key players locally have seen New Plymouth law firm Govett Quilliam become a valued adviser to the New Zealand energy industry.
Public submissions are now open for Te Ture Whenua Maori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Bill
October 2019
29 October 2019
Public submissions are now open for Te Ture Whenua Maori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Bill. If you would like to have your say, share your personal experiences about managing your whenua or comment on any of the proposed changes you have until Tuesday 26 November 2019 to file your submission.
A once tired-looking Powerco building has been transformed into a work of art in central New Plymouth.
Having enduring powers of attorney (EPAs) and a will in place is important for every adult whatever their age. A will is a legal document that lets you decide how you want your property, care for your dependants (partner, children etc.) and your body to be dealt with after you die. EPAs allow you to appoint a trusted person(s) to make decisions on your behalf regarding your property and health when you are unable to do so yourself, during your lifetime.
There are a number of circumstances under which you should consider forming a trust. Some of the common purposes of a trust, and the structures utilised, will be discussed in this article.
Govett Quilliam is incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to sponsor the Environmental Leadership in Business Award at the 2019 Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Awards. The awards feature 5 main categories which each encourage environmental stewardship and sustainable development of natural resources.
Consultation is now open on the challenges and opportunities for building a hydrogen economy in New Zealand. The Government is seeking your feedback on the potential for hydrogen production, export and utilisation in New Zealand economy.
Introduction of Bill to amend Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993
September 2019
20 September 2019
Te Ture Whenua Maori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament on 19 September 2019, which could soon see the most significant changes to Māori land law in over 20 years.
On 24 July 2019, the Hon David Parker launched the Government’s “comprehensive overhaul” of the resource management system and the Resource Management Act 1991 (“RMA”). The overhaul is intended broadly to cut complexity and costs, better enable urban development and improve mechanisms for protection of the environment.
On 8 May 2019, the Government introduced the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill ("Zero Carbon Bill") into Parliament to address the long-term challenges of climate change. The Zero Carbon Bill seeks to amend the existing Climate Change Response Act 2002. If passed into law, this new legislation will sit alongside the Emissions Trading Scheme established under the Climate Change Response Act.
Our upcoming move of premises in September is significant to us for many reasons. One of those is that it reflects our commitment to look to the future while also celebrating the past.
A law firm is nothing without its people. And if we’re allowed a moment of pride as we approach our upcoming relocation in September, it will always be reserved for celebrating our incredible team.
On 1 July 2019 the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019 (Standards) come into force. The Standards set minimum requirements landlords need to meet for tenants in relation to heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage and draught stopping. In this article we seek to dispel some of the myths and 'fake news' around this legislation to give you the run-down on what you'll need to do to meet the requirements.
It's unlikely that the first home you buy will be your forever home. As your family grows or your salary increases you may find yourself wanting to upgrade your current home to one with more rooms, different features, or in new area of town. However, like many people, you may find yourself in the predicament of having to sell your current home in order to finance your next one.
In early September, we will shift from our current waterfront location (1 Dawson Street) to the exciting new building on the corner of Dawson and King Streets—close to the heart of the city.
A co-ownership agreement might just save your friendship With the average house prices rising, getting on the property ladder can be harder than ever - especially if you're single and don't have the benefit of two incomes to draw upon. Perhaps you have a decent deposit but your cash flow isn't the best, or maybe it's the reverse, you have great cash flow but it's going to take you a while to save enough for the 10-20% deposit most banks require to approve your mortgage.
Buying your first home can be a very daunting experience. Not only are the sums involved absolutely mind-blowing but buying a home has a few knock-on costs that need to be factored in. From building reports, LIM, lenders mortgage insurance, moving expenses and legal fees there are a bundle of hidden costs that only become visible when you begin the process. You may find that several thousand dollars of your budget is redirected to some of these ancillary costs.
Overlapping historical Treaty claims – Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei Trust v Attorney General [2018] NZSC 84
September 2018
28 September 2018
![Overlapping historical Treaty claims – Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei Trust v Attorney General [2018] NZSC 84](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/5450097/hubfs/Te%20Tira%20Hau%20Ture%20%28Maori%20Legal%20Services%29/Image%20for%20article%202.png?width=700&name=Image%20for%20article%202.png)
In September 2018, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of overlapping historical Treaty claims in the landmark case of Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei Trust v Attorney General [2018] NZSC 84.
