Steven Gardner

Government Announces Major Reset of The Earthquake-prone Building System

The Government has confirmed a significant overhaul of New Zealand’s earthquake-prone building (EPB) framework, following advice and analysis published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). These reforms aim to create a more proportionate, risk-focused system – one that targets higher-risk buildings and regions while reducing unnecessary cost pressures on owners and communities.

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Chattels in Sale and Purchase Agreements – Being Clear Matters

When buying or selling residential property in New Zealand, one issue that frequently causes post-settlement disputes is the distinction between chattels and fixtures. Although it sounds technical, understanding this difference and recording items clearly in the agreement – can save both parties time, money, and unnecessary stress. Chattels are movable items of personal property that

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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 aim to reduce unnecessary time and cost for smaller or straightforward estates, while keeping important safeguards in place for more complex matters. WHAT HAS CHANGED?

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New Pet Rules for Residential Tenancies – Landlords and Tenants take notice

Major changes to the Residential Tenancies Act take effect on 1 December 2025, introducing a clearer and more balanced framework for pets in rental properties. The reforms aim to make it easier for tenants to keep pets while giving landlords practical tools to manage risks, set conditions, and recover the cost of any pet-related damage.

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Trust Property Sales: Simplified Rules but Ongoing Responsibilities

Recent changes to New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT) have eased compliance requirements for family trusts, particularly when selling property. The reforms, in force from June 2025, respond to long-standing criticism that the old rules placed too much burden on low-risk transactions. What Has Changed Previously, whenever a trust was

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Close-up of a decorated Christmas tree with lights and ornaments, showcasing holiday spirit.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Directors and Staff of Magill Earl Limited

Please note that our office will be closed from the 23th of December and will open again on 19 January 2026