Newsletter - June 2026
As winter approaches, many of us start turning our minds to the practical things: checking the gutters, finding the warm coats, pretending we know how to programme the timer on the heat pump, and wondering why the school term always seems to end at exactly the busiest possible time of the year.
It is also a sensible time to take stock of the legal arrangements that sit quietly in the background of everyday life - until they suddenly do not. Property decisions, parenting arrangements, relationship changes, and family obligations all have a habit of becoming more stressful when people are busy, tired, or trying to make plans around work, school holidays, travel, and the unpredictable and cooler weather.
This month, we look at various areas of life admin, where clear legal advice can make a real difference: property law, particularly for buyers navigating New Zealand’s residential property rules, family law as the winter months can bring added pressure, changes to employment law and also pending immigration changes which will have a fair few people planning ahead. In all of these things, practical arrangements and early advice can help people avoid unnecessary conflict or stress.
The common theme is simple: it is usually better to deal with legal issues before they become urgent. Much like fixing a leak before the first proper winter downpour, early action tends to be cheaper, calmer, and significantly less dramatic. If receiving this email has made you think of a few legal matters you might need to sort in a hurry, then you can always get in touch with one of the team, using our contact form via the button below.
Employment Law Updates
The Employment Relations Act 2000 (the Act) amendments relating to High-income earners came into force on 21 February 2026 and applies to any new employment agreement from that date.
High-income earners are now precluded from being able to raise a personal grievance of unjustified dismissal, or from raising a disadvantage claim for reasons relating to a dismissal, unless their contract expressly provides for opting back into these protections.
This does not preclude an employee from raising a grievance relating to other specified grounds.
For existing employment agreements as at 21 February, there is a 12-month transition period before the new limitation takes effect. During the transition period the employer and employee can formally amend their employment agreement to take account for this change in the law. That window will obviously close in February 2027 and so if you feel that a negotiation might be required, getting some good advice ahead of the transition period might be a good idea.
If you are considering entering an employment agreement for a High-income earner (as employer or employee) we recommend you get legal advice on the drafting of the various termination clauses and how they interact.
We are getting a lot of inquiries in this regard, and so far we are seeing a range of different clauses with varying operational effects.
What this means for you as an employee or for your business, could have significant implications on employment rights in the event of a termination in the future.
Our employment law specialist can assist you with drafting and negotiating termination clauses to protect your interests. If this is something you would like to know more about, please get in touch with Catherine Pendleton on +64 9 486 2169 or email: catherine.pendleton@turnerhopkins.co.nz, for details, or use the contact form button below.
Immigration Countdown
On 24 August 2026, the Government will release two new resident visa categories, along with a change to how our current points-based skilled migrant system works. For many applicants this will mean a pathway opens up that didn’t previously exist or their ability to apply for residence has just come forward by a year or two.
The two new pathways include an avenue for those with skilled work experience and a skilled job offer in New Zealand, and there is also a separate pathway opening up for qualified trades and technicians. These two options will allow a good number of applicants to now apply for and be granted residence.
Other changes include a reduction in the total amount of work experience skilled migrants will need to accumulate - currently the maximum is three years and this will reduce to two years from August. Those with a Master’s degree completed in New Zealand will potentially have a faster pathway to residence, without having to accumulate any work experience here (a skilled job is still required) and there will be two additional occupations lists created, banning some applicants from using the new pathways or making it more challenging for others (its a relatively small set of occupations).
Overall, these are positive changes, which will open the door to more skilled applicants to make New Zealand home and there will be plenty of people up and down the country getting themselves ready to take advantage.
However the full set of rules and criteria has not yet been been released, and as always is the case with immigration related matters, the devils in indeed in the detail. For those looking to move ahead, our advice is to plan now, but make sure you read the fine print, before you commit to the process in August. There will also be some, who need to carefully review their work history in New Zealand to ensure they meet the pay-rate requirements for work experience points.
For all applicants under these revised and updated settings, planning ahead, will be key and filing as soon as the policy is available will also mean a faster turnaround time. We anticipate there will be plenty of demand for the two new pathways, that will open doors for many current work visa holders. Turner Hopkins Immigration Specialists can help applicants assess eligibility, structure the process properly and avoid expensive mistakes.
Visit the above website link for our dedicated immigration team or email (immigration@turnerhopkins.co.nz) or call 09 486 9574. You can also send us a contact request using the button below.
Property Thoughts
Turner Hopkins was pleased to attend a property purchase presentation event in Auckland in April 2026, alongside Ray White Albany, The One, and U Bridge.
Joy Yuan, Lead of Turner Hopkins’ Asian Team, and Samantha Si, Senior Solicitor, represented the firm and presented on the legal process of buying property in New Zealand, with a particular focus on issues relevant to overseas buyers.
Their presentation covered key requirements under the Overseas Investment Act, including how the Overseas Investment Office regime applies to residential property purchases. Joy and Samantha also discussed when an exemption certificate may allow an overseas buyer to purchase residential property in New Zealand.
The session provided practical guidance on common structures and pathways available to overseas buyers, important contractual considerations, and key risks and compliance matters to consider before signing an agreement for sale and purchase.
The event was very well received, with strong engagement and thoughtful questions from attendees. It was a timely reminder that clear legal advice at an early stage is essential, particularly where overseas investment rules may apply.
At Turner Hopkins, we are committed to supporting our community by sharing clear and practical legal insights in areas where the regulatory framework can be complex or unfamiliar.
For advice on overseas investment, property purchases, or exemption certificate requirements, please contact Joy Yuan (joy.yuan@turnerhopkins.co.nz) or Samantha Si (samantha.si@turnerhopkins.co.nz) or call us on 09 486 2169. You can also submit your query via the contact button below.
Family Law
Winter can place extra pressure on families. Shorter days, school holidays, winter illnesses, travel plans, and changing routines can all make existing arrangements feel more fragile. For separated parents in particular, the colder months can expose the gaps in arrangements that may have worked well enough during quieter times.
Parenting schedules, holiday care, travel consent, pick-up and drop-off times, communication between parents, and arrangements for sick children are all best discussed before there is a disagreement. Nobody does their finest legal thinking in a cold driveway, in the rain, while a child has left one shoe at the other house.
Family law is not always about conflict. Often, it is about creating clarity. Clear arrangements help parents understand what is expected, reduce uncertainty for children, and make it easier to deal with the ordinary disruptions that family life brings. Even well-meaning parents can run into difficulty where arrangements are vague, outdated, or based on assumptions rather than agreement.
This is also a good time for people who are separating, or considering separation, to understand their legal position. Issues such as care of children, child support, spousal maintenance, occupation of the family home, and relationship property can feel overwhelming when addressed all at once. Early advice can help separate the urgent from the important, and the emotional from the legal — not always easy, but very useful.
Relationship property matters also deserve careful attention. Whether a couple is separating, entering a new relationship, buying property together, or wanting to protect particular assets, it is far better to obtain advice before decisions are made.
Contracting out agreements, separation agreements, and property division all require proper legal advice to be effective. These are not documents to download casually and hope for the best. Hope is lovely, but it is not a legal strategy.
At Turner Hopkins, our family law team works with clients to find practical, sensible solutions. Sometimes that means negotiation. Sometimes it means formalising an agreement. Sometimes it means taking firmer steps where a matter cannot be resolved informally. In every case, the focus is on helping clients understand their rights, obligations, and options so they can make good decisions at a difficult time.
Contact Jennifer Stanborough (jennifer.stanborough@turnerhopkins.co.nz) or call us on 09 486 2169. You can also fill in our contract form, using the button below.
In The Community
Turner Hopkins was pleased to support the Takapuna Grammar School PTA Golf Day in May by sponsoring a hole at the event.
The day brought together parents, supporters, local businesses, and members of the school community for a great cause — with the added benefit of fresh air, friendly competition, and the occasional reminder that golf is a game best played with optimism.
Sue Williams-Warren and Phil Shannon attended on behalf of Turner Hopkins, and the firm also provided goodie bags and information packs for participants. We were delighted to hear these were well received by attendees.
Events like this are a valuable reminder of the strength of our local community, particularly as we head into the colder months when school and community fundraising becomes even more important.
Turner Hopkins is proud to support initiatives that bring people together and contribute to the schools, clubs, and organisations that help our community thrive.
Turner Hopkins was also pleased to be involved in a recent community fundraising initiative alongside Azure Property and Shaw and Partners, which achieved a fantastic final result of $10,000 being raised for the Breast Cancer Foundation of New Zealand.
That is an excellent outcome, and one worth celebrating. Community events take planning, generosity, and a fair amount of behind-the-scenes effort — usually by people who quietly do far more than they are thanked for. It was wonderful to see that effort translate into such a strong result.
As winter approaches, support for local causes, schools, charities, and community organisations becomes especially meaningful. These contributions help ensure that important work can continue, even when the days are shorter, the weather is less forgiving, and everyone is suddenly pretending they enjoy early sunsets.
Turner Hopkins values the opportunity to contribute to community-focused initiatives and to work alongside others who are committed to making a practical difference. We congratulate everyone involved on a result to be proud of.
Stay Warm, Stay Prepared
Whether you are buying property, reviewing parenting arrangements, separating, or simply wondering whether your current legal arrangements still fit your life, winter is a useful reminder to get things in order.
Legal issues rarely improve by being left in the bottom drawer. They tend to sit there quietly, gathering dust, until the moment they become urgent. A short conversation early on can often prevent a much larger problem later.
At Turner Hopkins, we provide clear, practical advice across property, overseas investment, and family law matters. Our team can help you understand where you stand, what steps are available, and how to move forward with confidence.
As the colder months approach, now is a good time to deal with the things that matter — preferably before the rain sets in, the diary fills up, and everyone starts pretending they are “just a bit busy” until spring.
Until next month…
