The National Environmental Standards for Freshwater Regulations 2020 came into force on 3 September 2020. Read more…

The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020 has made further changes affecting landlords and tenants, including farm accommodation provided as part of a person's employment. The most recent changes took effect on 11 February 2021. Read more…

The Privacy Act 2020 came into force on 1 December 2020, replacing the Privacy Act 1993. It has introduced new requirements for New Zealand businesses (including farms) and organisations to give greater protections for individuals. Read more…

Trusts have long been the preferred vehicle for farm ownership.

Historically, holding a property through a trust meant that ownership did not change on the death of the farmer and, therefore, any death duties could be avoided during the generational change. Read more…

Leasing of farms, orchards and cropping land is becoming more common. It is a good way for farming operations to expand without capital commitments involved in buying land. For landowners, it can be a useful way to retain ownership of the capital but give away the day-to-day farming operations, either through a desire to semi-retire or to hold the farming asset for a period while family or continued ownership issues are resolved. Read more…

The lengthy legal battle around Synlait's north Waikato development appears to be over. Synlait Milk has reported that settlement has been reached between it, New Zealand Industrial Park and Karl Ye over its land at Pokeno.

The proceedings began shortly after Synlait bought a 28-hectare site in Pokeno in February 2018. The contract was conditional upon the removal of the land covenants which restricted the use of the land to grazing, lifestyle farming or forestry. Read more…