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.
A Fond Farewell from CLM : Reflecting on Murray’s Memorable Journey
Former Cooney Lees Morgan Partner Murray Denyer has announced his retirement as a Consultant with the firm, and from legal practice, due to health reasons. Murray has been fighting a long battle with Stage IV kidney cancer, and now wishes to step back to focus on his wellbeing, and to spend more time with his...
CLM’s Summer Clerk Programme: Where legal Careers Begin
Every year Cooney Lees Morgan welcomes law students into our Summer Clerk Programme, offering the chance to step beyond the lecture theatre and into legal practice. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between university study and the realities of working in a commercial law firm, giving students a genuine insight into what their...
Think Your Data Is Safe? Think Again.
When a fried chicken chain has tighter cybersecurity than our digital health providers, it’s time to admit something’s wrong. With the Manage My Health privacy breach dominating headlines through the start of 2026, the lack of a penalty regime under the Privacy Act 2020 has been a hot topic of conversation for many. In New...
AI will make my legal bill cheaper, right?
There is a lot of talk about AI and the efficiencies it can deliver, so it’s easy to think there’s no downside to using AI for legal disputes or when communicating with your lawyer. While AI is a powerful tool with plenty to offer, we are increasingly seeing situations where its use actually increases clients’...
Out with the Old, In with the New
The RMA replacement has arrived. Since its election in 2023, the Government has remained committed to a full overhaul of New Zealand’s resource management system. Over the past three years, changes have been made in three phases, starting with the repeal of the previous Government’s Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Acts, followed by...
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.
On-again, off-again relationships. What will happen to our relationship property?
Figuring out where you stand after an on-again, off-again relationship can feel confusing, especially when it comes to dividing relationship property. Whether you were in a “qualifying relationship” or not will significantly change the outcome of any separation.