Insights
Temporary Visa Options for Parents and Grandparents
For many migrant families, having parents or grandparents nearby can make a world of difference. They provide emotional comfort, cultural continuity and practical help with childcare and family life. However, securing a visa for them to visit or stay temporarily in New Zealand is not always straightforward. With proper preparation and the right guidance, applicants can significantly improve their chances of success.
New Law Makes Pay Secrecy Clauses Unenforceable
On 27 August 2025, the Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Act 2025 came into force, making pay secrecy clauses in employment contracts unenforceable.
Upcoming Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) by introducing new residence pathways that are expected to be implemented from August 2026.
Changes to Natural Hazards Information in LIM Reports
Recent legal changes will soon affect how local councils in New Zealand include natural hazards information in Land Information Memoranda (LIMs).
New Business Investor Visa as a Residence Pathway for Investors
The Government has announced the launch of a new Business Investor Visa aimed at seasoned investors keen to contribute actively to the country’s economic growth. This visa will replace Entrepreneur Work Visa, which is now closed to new applications.
Law Commission Recommendations on Expanding Anti-Discrimination Laws
The Law Commission has recently completed its review and published a Final Report recommending the expansion of anti-discrimination laws to explicitly include gender identity and innate variations of sex characteristics (commonly referred to as intersex traits).
Can You Extend Your AEWV? Key Information Before Your Work Visa Expires
If your Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is nearing its expiry, it’s crucial to understand your options. Discover the rules surrounding visa extensions, maximum continuous stay, and the necessary steps to apply for a new AEWV. Get advice on how to plan ahead and ensure a smooth transition when your AEWV is about to expire.
Government Eases Building Restrictions on Garden Sheds and Garages
From the end of 2025, homeowners and property developers will be able to build garden sheds, garages, workshops and sleepouts with fewer restrictions. The Government has announced changes to the Building Act, aimed at cutting red tape and making it easier for New Zealanders to make practical use of their land.
How to Transfer to a New Job While on an AEWV
Changing jobs on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) isn’t as simple as signing a new contract. Learn the process, requirements, and risks of transferring to a new role in New Zealand, including when to apply for a Job Change or a new visa.
OCR Cuts and Legal Implications for Homeowners and Buyers
OCR Cuts and Legal Implications for Homeowners and Buyers- InsightsOn 20 August 2025, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) announced a cut to the...
Granny Flat Consent Exemption NZ: What Homeowners & Builders Need to Know
The proposed Building Act changes could let you build a fully equipped granny flat up to 70m² without consent. Here’s what the exemption means, the rules you must follow, and legal considerations to ensure your project runs smoothly.
What should you do after getting a Protection Order?
Family life will inevitably have conflicts. Sometimes these conflicts can escalate and become physical and emotional. Even otherwise reasonable people may take things too far.
Plans to Amend the Resource Management Act
One of Labour Party’s pre-election policy promises was that it would abolish and reform the current Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). The RMA was enacted with the purpose of promoting “the sustainable management of natural and physical resources”.
Which court to issue proceedings in?
It can be hard to know which court to issue legal proceedings against someone in New Zealand. Civil cases can be about child custody, employment relationship, domestic violence, property inheritance, relationship property, company disputes, contractual disputes, torts, motor vehicle disputes, and tenancy disputes. You can initiate some of these proceedings in the same court, and some in specialist courts. Today, I will briefly introduce the several types of courts in New Zealand.
Should you use a company?
What is a company? In order to discuss the pros and cons of setting up a company, we need to firstly understand out what is a company and why this concept exists.
Changes to Immigration Law: COVID-19 Response
New changes to immigration law came into force last Friday, 15 May 2020, which will impact the status of temporary migrants in New Zealand.
Section 61 Request: What to do if your visa has expired
When a migrant remains in New Zealand beyond the expiry of their visa, they are considered to be unlawfully in the country and have an obligation to leave. If you are an “overstayer”, you are liable for deportation. You run the risks of being arrested, detained, deported and banned from entering the country. Additionally, if your family or friends help you to remain in New Zealand unlawfully, they are committing a crime under the Immigration Act 2009.
Guide to Essential Skills work visa
Have you been offered a full-time job and have the necessary qualifications and/or experience to work in that job? Then you may qualify for an Essential Skills work visa in New Zealand.
Joining your partner in NZ: What you need to know about partnership visas
There are a number of visa options for people intending to join or live with their partners in New Zealand. Whether for temporary or permanent stay, we have put together some useful information for you.
COVID-19 and Your Visa
This article discusses some of the key issues and immigration policy updates to help temporary migrants more proactively respond to COVID-19.
What to do after breaking up from a relationship
Separation of a domestic partnership or a marriage does not have to be bitter. Quite commonly, people simply decide that they would be happier apart then together.
How to deal with domestic violence
Domestic violence can be defined as a violent act committed against a person in a domestic relationship. Domestic violence not only includes physical abuse, but also psychological abuse.