Legal Insights | Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga

Employers, are you ready? We’ll help you make sense of the latest amendments to the Employment Relations Act.

The Employment Relations Amendment Bill is now in force, introducing significant changes to the Employment Relations Act 2000 that are directly relevant to employers. For businesses, the amendments create opportunities to reduce risk, increase flexibility, and revisit existing employment and contractor arrangements. Below we outline the key changes and what employers should be doing now....

Thirty Years, Three Careers, One Unbreakable Bond

Three desks in our Property & Development team sit just metres apart – a small distance that reflects three decades of friendship, adventures, triumphs and heartache.

Launch Sequence

Step-by-step legal programme for startups

All together for a new CLM look

Cooney Lees Morgan has been delivering legal excellence for over a century, with roots reaching back to 1918.

CLM’s Modern Legacy

Celebrating Over a Century of Legal Excellence

Is your family trust romance proof?

When love and romance are involved, it’s not always easy to discuss what the future may hold if things don’t go to plan. Our family law team can provide expert advice that carefully treads the fine line between asset protection and family relationships.

Honouring family relationships and the law

Our seven specialists in the area of family law have over 90 years of combined experience.

When Roles Collide: What Ignites Shareholder Disputes?

Many shareholder disputes start long before the conflict becomes the subject of formal dispute resolution. A common driver in shareholder disputes is where people lose track, or are unclear, of the role they play in the company. It is very common for people to wear more than one hat at the same time in their...

Blurred Lines: If your Relationship is Confused, The Law Will be Too

There are many reasons why separated partners choose to continue living together, share finances, or commit to shared aspects of life beyond a romantic relationship. In some cases, the end date to your relationship will change the way property is divided. Recent High Court decision, Cooper v Smithie, highlights the importance of understanding when the...

Worried About Liability? Here’s What Officers Need to Know Under the New Incorporated Societies Act

Those familiar with the Companies Act 1993 will be aware that certain requirements must be met in order for a company to indemnify and effect insurance for its directors. Providing an indemnity and effecting insurance can cover legal costs and liability for directors in relation to civil claims as well as where unsuccessful criminal proceedings...

Granny Flats Get a Makeover

Navigating the changes to the Building Act and the RMA

Game Changing Bills?

A Developers Guide to New Zealand’s Next-Generation Planning and Environment Regime After two years of anticipation and step-by-step resource management reform, the Government has now increased momentum and moved into the most significant stage of change in a generation. Two new bills, the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill (the Bills), have been introduced...

The Law Between Laws

Consenting in the Transition Phase of Resource Management Reform On 9 December, the Government announced the long-awaited final stage of its resource management reforms: two new bills to replace the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). One of the most challenging aspects of moving to an entirely new legislative framework is managing the transition from the...

Big Changes Coming to the Disputes Tribunal in 2026!

The Disputes Tribunal has long provided an accessible and cost-effective way to resolve civil disputes. From 24 January 2026, significant changes under the Disputes Tribunal Amendment Act 2024 will expand its financial jurisdiction, aimed at making justice more accessible and reducing pressure on the District Court system. What’s Changing? The maximum claim limit for the...

Trustee Turmoil? What to Do When Trustees Turn Hostile

Trustee and beneficiary relationships can be complicated. When a trustee is acting in a hostile way towards beneficiaries, it can get in the way of properly running the trust. As a beneficiary, can you apply for removal of trustee if it seems like the trustee won’t treat you fairly? The Court has the power to...

Five tips for first home buyers

The prospect of buying your first home can be daunting. The best advice is to find a helpful property lawyer who can explain the process and assist you along the way. In the meantime we’ve put together our top five tips below to get you started.

Dreaming of a slice of paradise? What overseas buyers should keep in mind when buying residential land in NZ.

One Year On: Overseas Persons Restricted From Buying Residential Land In New Zealand

Effects of Indemnity and Limitation of Liability Clauses in Contracts

When entering a contract, it is important that you understand what you are entering into and what clauses are in your best interests to either edit, add or remove from the contract.

Preparation Preparation Preparation

Most people recognise that they need to see their lawyer to plan for key events in their life.

Can I contest a Will?

It’s surprisingly common for family members to be left out of a person’s will.

October 2025 Sustainability update

In this October 2025 update, we consider the resetting of methane targets by the Government, and what this means for farmers.

Insights

We have some of New Zealand’s smartest lawyers on our team. Explore their take on topical legal issues and get practical, real-world advice designed to help you make informed decisions.