Read the latest news, articles
and clients stories from Bramwell Bate.

It’s our job to know the law. We stay at the top
of our game so you can stay at the top of yours.

Bramwell Bate Bach
May 12, 2023 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Cyclone Gabrielle & tenancies: know your rights

Written by Edward Bostock and Kelly Henderson Originally published in The Profit One of the most significant impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle has been the damage and destruction to commercial and residential properties in Hawke’s Bay. Building Officers are completing rapid building assessments on properties affected by the Cyclone. To date, there are 100 red stickered properties (meaning the property has been seriously damaged) and 712 yellow stickered properties (meaning the property has been damaged and may need to be temporarily vacated) in...

April 20, 2023 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Land Acquisition under the Public Works Act

Written by Amy Cowan In March 2023, the High Court directed the Hastings District Council to renegotiate suitable compensation for a landowner in relation to the Council acquiring land for roading and storm water detention as part of wider urban development.  This may have left you thinking about how the Council acquires land it needs for future development. What is the Public Works Act 1981? The Public Works Act 1981 gives the Crown, Councils and utility operators power to acquire privately owned land...

February 28, 2023 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Initial Funding Package for Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery Announced

Written by Chloe Smart (Updated 28 February 2023) Cyclone Gabrielle caused unprecedented flooding and damage as it made its way across the North Island earlier this month. Cyclone Recovery Minister Grant Robertson has announced details of the first round of funding available to the primary sector through the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), which will be welcomed by local farmers and growers to help begin their recovery. What support is available? Farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners affected by Cyclone Gabrielle can...

January 31, 2023 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Honey, I shrunk the equity!

Written by Christine Symes. First published in The Profit. Reflecting on the past year and considering what’s to come in 2023. How do we summarise the New Zealand property market in 2022? “Contrast” comes to mind. “Against the grain” might be another appropriate phrase. It was an exceptionally intriguing year for New Zealand’s property market. Professionals at all levels of the sale and purchase of property recognised a significant shift in what had previously been a “sellers’ market” and as we head into...

December 9, 2022 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Building the answers to supply chain problems

To attempt to respond to increased demand for housing and ongoing supply chain issues, the Ministry of Building, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) have created a Critical Material Taskforce, aiming to build on the work of the Plaster Board Taskforce established in June 2022. The Plaster Board Taskforce imported and provided alternative products from GIB to ensure that construction could continue, despite the supply chain not meeting the demand post COVID-19. The Plaster Board Taskforce was deemed a success with a...

December 6, 2022 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Modernising the Mechanics of Charities in the New Year

Written by Tayla Westman  Charities play an essential role in our community and are key to providing much needed support. There are over 28,000 charities registered in New Zealand. About half of all Kiwis are involved in charity work, whether it is as a volunteer or directly with the community. Charities also play a vital role in our economy, having contributed over $20 billion last year. Much of the law governing charities in New Zealand is set out in the Charities Act 2005...

November 21, 2022 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Order to act under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988

The three most common orders granted under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 (“the Act”) are set out below together with an explanation of what happens when you have been appointed, and what your obligations and responsibilities are. Property Order: This Order occurs when a person’s item of property does not exceed $5,000 in value or their income/benefit does not exceed $20,000 in any one year. You are required to administer the property, income or benefit in such...

November 18, 2022 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Executors and trustees of a Will

All Wills need executors and trustees. These days, while there may be more than one of them, the executor and trustee is usually the same person in a Will. This has not always been the case and the roles remain complementary and different. The executor role is usually related to the coordinating and finance arrangements for and with the deceased’s family: whether he or she was to be buried or cremated, reviewing the Will content and progressing to carry out the...