Newsletter - October 2026
As the days get longer, the weather gets warmer and the end of another busy year comes into view, there is a definite sense of change in the air. With New Zealand heading to the polls in November, there is plenty to talk about, and no doubt a few interesting conversations ahead around the BBQ (once it has been dusted off for the summer). Whatever the election brings, we hope the coming months offer some fresh opportunities, renewed confidence and a positive finish to 2026.
Of course, the end of the year also has a habit of arriving much faster than expected. Before we know it, Christmas functions will be filling our calendars, the beaches will be calling and the familiar promise to "sort that out in the new year" will start making an appearance. While some things can happily wait until January, legal matters often benefit from a little attention sooner rather than later.
Whether it's finalising a property matter, recovering an outstanding debt, sorting out family arrangements or simply getting some advice on an issue that has been sitting on your to-do list, now is a good time to get things moving. A conversation today can save considerable time, stress and expense down the track.
In this edition of our newsletter, we look at a few matters worth thinking about before the holiday season is upon us. As always, our team at Turner Hopkins Law is here to help you navigate the changes, resolve the challenges and, hopefully, head into summer with a few less things to worry about.
Property News
Property owners, developers and anyone considering buying land in New Zealand have some significant legislative changes to consider. On 30 September 2026, the Government passed the new Planning Act, marking an important step towards replacing our existing resource management framework. The intention is to make planning and development more straightforward, encourage investment and reduce some of the complexity that has frustrated property owners for years. Whether the reality matches the ambition remains to be seen. For homeowners, the changes may eventually create opportunities to develop or make better use of their properties. However, the new system is being introduced progressively, with transitional consenting changes taking effect from 30 October 2026. Existing planning requirements have not simply disappeared overnight, and anyone contemplating a subdivision, additional dwelling or significant development still needs to understand the rules applying to their particular property.
The timing is interesting, particularly as we move further into the spring property market. Recent figures from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand show that the national median house price fell 2.3% in the year to September 2026, while the number of properties available for sale increased by 10.7%. Buyers have more choice in many areas, but greater choice should not be confused with fewer risks. A property that appears to offer development potential may still have restrictions that significantly affect what can actually be built.
Before purchasing, it remains important to check the property's title, LIM, relevant planning requirements and any restrictions affecting its use. Easements, covenants, infrastructure limitations, natural hazards and consent requirements can all influence a property's value and future potential. For sellers, understanding these matters before going to market can also help avoid unexpected complications once a buyer starts asking questions.
At Turner Hopkins, our property team can help you understand what you are buying, selling or proposing to develop before you make a financial commitment. Whether you are purchasing your first home, considering an investment property or exploring development opportunities, getting the right legal advice early can save considerable time, money and frustration. Contact our property team to discuss your plans and make sure your next property decision is an informed one.
Trusts, Wills & Estates
As the end of another busy year approaches, it’s worth taking a moment to consider whether your personal affairs are in order. Life rarely stands still, and changes in family relationships, financial circumstances or property ownership can mean that arrangements made several years ago no longer reflect your wishes.
Is your Will up to date? Have you appointed enduring powers of attorney? Are you confident your assets will pass to the people you intend, without unnecessary complications? These are conversations worth having now rather than leaving for your family to navigate later.
We regularly see how outdated Wills, poorly documented family arrangements and misunderstandings about trusts can lead to unnecessary costs and disputes between loved ones. For those with family trusts, it is also worth checking that trustee decisions are properly recorded and that the trust continues to serve its intended purpose. Good estate planning isn't just about what happens when you die. It's about protecting what you've worked hard to build and providing certainty for those who matter most. A little attention now can make a significant difference down the track.
If reviewing your estate planning has been on your to-do list, the Private Client team at Turner Hopkins would be pleased to help you start the new year with peace of mind.
Immigration News
It has been another busy year for New Zealand immigration policy, with significant changes affecting skilled migrants, employers, investors and families. The Government has continued to adjust immigration settings, seeking to balance the need for overseas skills and investment with concerns about employment opportunities for New Zealanders. Some changes have created welcome opportunities, while others have added further complexity to a system that is already difficult for many applicants to navigate.
One of the most significant developments has been the overhaul of the Skilled Migrant Category, with new residence pathways introduced in August 2026. These changes have opened doors for experienced workers and people in trades and technical occupations who previously struggled to qualify for residence. We have also seen further refinements to employer-sponsored work visas and changes to investor visa settings, aimed at attracting overseas capital and business expertise. However, as is often the case with immigration policy, the detail matters. Not everyone benefits equally, and understanding how the various requirements interact remains essential.
With New Zealand's general election scheduled for 7 November, attention is now turning to what might happen next. Immigration has always been closely connected to economic conditions, employment and population growth, and different political parties have different views on how the system should operate. New Zealand First, for example, has proposed replacing the Accredited Employer Work Visa with a more targeted skilled work visa. Whether this or other proposals become policy will depend on the election outcome and any subsequent government arrangements. What seems certain is that immigration will remain an important area of policy discussion.
For migrants and employers, the question is whether to act now or wait to see what changes emerge. Our view is that immigration decisions should be based on the rules that actually exist, rather than speculation about what a future government might introduce. Those already eligible for residence should carefully consider their options, while employers relying on migrant workers need to understand both their current obligations and their longer-term workforce requirements. Changes in government do not automatically mean changes in immigration instructions, but experience tells us that policy settings can shift, sometimes quite quickly.
At Turner Hopkins Immigration Specialists, we have been helping migrants, families and New Zealand businesses navigate immigration changes for more than two decades. Whether you are considering residence, employing overseas workers, investing in New Zealand or simply wondering how the latest changes affect your circumstances, we can provide clear, practical advice. With an election approaching and further policy developments likely, now is a sensible time to review your options. Contact our immigration team to discuss your circumstances and plan your next steps with confidence.
Debt Recovery
As the end of the year approaches, businesses are understandably focused on finishing projects, managing cash flow and preparing for beaches, BBQ’s and the Christmas break. However, one task that should not be left until January is chasing outstanding debts. The reality is that the longer a debt remains unpaid, the harder it can become to recover. A debtor who is struggling to pay in October is unlikely to experience a Christmas miracle in December, particularly when holiday expenses and reduced trading activity place further pressure on cash flow.
Timing is especially important when considering formal debt recovery action. Whether that involves issuing a letter of demand, commencing court proceedings or serving a statutory demand on a company, each option requires careful consideration and, in some cases, compliance with strict statutory timeframes. For example, a company served with a statutory demand generally has 15 working days to comply. The Christmas and New Year period can complicate these calculations, with statutory exclusions for certain holidays and the summer shutdown period. Leaving matters until December may therefore mean that meaningful progress is delayed well into the new year.
Of course, taking action does not necessarily mean immediately heading to court. Often, a well-timed letter from a solicitor is enough to prompt payment or bring a reluctant debtor to the negotiating table. The key is acting while there is still an opportunity to achieve a commercial outcome. It is also worth remembering that obtaining a judgment and actually recovering the money are two very different things. Before spending good money chasing bad, creditors should consider the debtor's financial position, the strength of their claim and whether recovery is commercially worthwhile.
Our advice is simple: if you have outstanding invoices or debts that have been sitting unresolved, now is the time to review them. Addressing these matters before the Christmas shutdown may improve your prospects of recovery and allow you to start 2027 with a cleaner balance sheet. The team at Turner Hopkins Law can assist with assessing your recovery options, issuing formal demands and taking further action where necessary. After all, the only thing worse than carrying an unpaid debt into the new year is discovering that you should have acted on it months earlier.
Family Law
Summer is nearly here! For many families, that means time at the beach, BBQs, holidays and a well-earned opportunity to relax after a busy year. For separated parents, however, the holiday season can also bring some challenges, particularly when it comes to making arrangements for children. Our advice is to start those conversations early. Agreeing on holiday plans ahead of time gives everyone an opportunity to be heard, helps manage expectations and, most importantly, allows the children to enjoy their summer without unnecessary stress. If you think you may need assistance from the Family Court to resolve arrangements before Christmas, it is important to seek advice sooner rather than later, as Court availability is already limited.
Christmas can also be a challenging time for families. Financial pressures, busy schedules and the expectations that come with the festive season can sometimes place additional strain on relationships. While it is a time of celebration for many, we recognise that it is not always an easy time for everyone. If tensions are building, it is important to look after your own wellbeing, maintain healthy boundaries and seek support where needed. For some, the holiday period may also bring important decisions about the future of a relationship. If you are uncertain about your situation or would simply like to understand your options, our family law team is available for a confidential and supportive conversation.
The Family Court's usual operations are affected by the Christmas and New Year holiday period, from 24 December 2026 to 5 January 2027, although urgent matters may still be dealt with. If you anticipate needing Court assistance with parenting arrangements or any other family law matter before Christmas, please contact us as early as possible. A little planning now can make a meaningful difference to how smoothly the holiday season unfolds.
If you have received or expect to receive an inheritance, are helping family members buy property, or want clarity about existing arrangements, early advice can help protect everyone’s position. Contact Jennifer Stanborough or call us on 09 486 2169. You can also fill in our contact form, using the button below.
Looking Ahead…
With summer approaching and the end of another busy year in sight, many of us are starting to think about what needs to be done before the Christmas break and what might lie ahead in 2027.
As this newsletter highlights, there is plenty happening across the legal landscape. Whether it is navigating changes in the property market, resolving family matters, keeping on top of outstanding debts, reviewing trust arrangements or understanding the latest immigration developments, the common theme is the importance of being informed and planning ahead.
The final months of the year are often a good opportunity to attend to matters that have been sitting on the 'to-do' list. Sometimes a relatively straightforward conversation now can prevent a much more complicated issue arising later.
At Turner Hopkins, our focus remains on providing clear, practical and timely legal advice, helping our clients make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
As always, if there is anything we can assist you with, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to helping you finish the year on a positive note and prepare for whatever 2027 may bring.
From all of us at Turner Hopkins, thank you for your continued support.
