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Monday 9am - 5:30pm Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm Thursday 8am - 5:30pm Friday 8am - 5:30pm

Stace Hammond Lawyers, Level 15, 34 Shortland Street, Auckland (2026)

16/01/2026

As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into legal practice, the duty to maintain professional and ethical standards remains constant. In his latest article, Stace Hammond's Partner Paul Connolly examines the risks associated with unverified AI research, citing recent judicial decisions where the use of flawed AI material resulted in wasted cost orders and warnings of professional misconduct.

Read the full insights on the importance of human oversight in the age of AI here: https://www.stacehammond.co.nz/artificial-intelligence-professional-and-ethical-obligations/

www.stacehammond.co.nz

Providing personalised legal services in Commercial, Litigation, Property, Immigration and Family Law from our offices in Auckland and Hamilton, New Zealand

10/12/2025

Our Partner, Paul Connolly—a specialist in elder law, property, trusts, wills, and estates—shares his expert analysis on the important 2025 retirement village reforms in New Zealand.

With the aging population, these reforms introduce clearer legal frameworks and a new disputes resolution scheme designed to make retirement living fairer and less stressful for residents and their families.

Paul highlights how the changes balance protecting residents’ rights with the practical challenges village operators face, providing valuable insights for both sides of the sector.

Check out his full article to understand what these reforms mean and how we can support you through the transition: https://www.stacehammond.co.nz/retirement-village-reforms-2025-new-zealand/ -d109-4d13-a841-0c6873d0dee4-link

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Discover how the 2025 retirement village reforms in New Zealand aim to make aged care fairer and more transparent. Learn about key changes affecting residents, families, and operators.

25/11/2025

Partner Tim Jeffcott, who specialises in Litigation and Dispute Resolution at Stace Hammond Lawyers , has published a new article examining a recent family bach dispute and the Court’s increasing readiness to direct parties toward Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

The article offers clear insight into how mediation and other ADR mechanisms can provide faster and more cost-effective pathways for resolving complex or emotionally driven conflicts.
Tim’s analysis reflects the strength of Stace Hammond’s dispute resolution capability and our focus on practical, solutions-driven outcomes for clients.

📄 Read the full article: Family Bach Dispute Highlights Court’s Powers to Order Alternative Dispute Resolution
https://www.stacehammond.co.nz/alternative-dispute-resolution-family-bach-case/

If you’re considering your options in a dispute and want informed guidance on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or litigation strategy, our team is available for a conversation at [email protected]

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earn how a family bach dispute showcases the NZ Court’s power to order Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and what it means for resolving complex disputes.

31/10/2025

The Education and Workforce Committee recently recommended passing the Employment Relations (Termination of Employment by Agreement) Amendment Bill—an update that could reshape how employers and employees approach termination discussions.

Authored by our Partner Tim Jeffcott, this article breaks down the bill’s key features, including new protections for confidential pre-termination negotiations, enhanced procedural safeguards, and limits on negotiation frequency. It also highlights contrasting views from Labour and Green Party members concerned about fair process and good faith principles.

As these changes may introduce more flexibility—but also new responsibilities—our Employment Law team is ready to help employers navigate the evolving landscape with confidence and fairness.

Curious how this could affect your workplace? Reach out to connect with us for tailored guidance.

Read the full article here: https://www.stacehammond.co.nz/employment-relations-amendment-bill-2025-termination-by-agreement-nz/

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Stay informed on New Zealand’s Employment Relations Amendment Bill 2025. Learn how proposed changes to pre-termination negotiations could impact employer-employee termination agreements, procedural safeguards, and legal protections. Expert insights and analysis from leading employment law professi...

24/10/2025

The New Zealand Business Investor Visa (BIV) is launching on November 24, 2025 — opening exciting new opportunities for global investors seeking to acquire and grow existing New Zealand businesses.

Authored by Diana Bell, Senior Associate and Head of Immigration at Stace Hammond Lawyers, this insightful article explores how the BIV replaces the old Entrepreneur Work Visa with a clearer, more streamlined pathway. With investment options starting at NZD $1 million and a fast-track residence route at $2 million, the BIV is designed to attract hands-on investors ready to build sustainable businesses and create jobs in New Zealand.

Whether you’re planning business succession or looking to invest in New Zealand for the first time, now is the time to get informed and prepare.

Read the full article to learn about key features, sectors to watch, and practical considerations, and reach out early to make the most of this promising new visa pathway.

Read the full article here: https://www.stacehammond.co.nz/new-zealand-business-investor-visa-launch-2025-investment-residence/

Discover New Zealand's new Business Investor Visa (BIV) launching November 2025. Learn how global investors can gain streamlined work-to-residence pathways by investing NZD $1-2 million into established businesses, driving job creation and economic growth.

10/10/2025

Being classified as a wholesale or eligible investor under New Zealand’s Financial Markets Conduct Act (FMCA) comes with important responsibilities and risks. In their detailed article, Patrick Wilson, Managing Partner, and Erin Littbarski, Consultant at Stace Hammond Lawyers, break down what it really means to be a wholesale investor, the certification requirements, and the legal implications involved.

With the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) increasingly focused on ensuring compliance with wholesale investor rules, it’s vital for investors and offerors to understand the rules and avoid potential penalties. This article offers clear guidance for anyone involved in wholesale investments or certification.

For expert advice or any questions about wholesale investor certification and FMCA compliance, reach out to Patrick Wilson at [email protected]

Read the full article here: https://www.stacehammond.co.nz/are-you-really-a-wholesale-investor-and-what-does-it-mean-if-you-become-one-2/

In our article Are you really a wholesale investor and what does it mean if you become one? [originally published on 20 April 2023, reposted below] we highlighted the risk to investors of being persuaded that they are wholesale investors (also referred to as “eligible investors”) when in fact th...

29/09/2025

Managing Partner Patrick Wilson of Stace Hammond Lawyers, who specialises in cryptocurrency law, explains that digital assets include much more than just cryptocurrencies—they cover anything valuable stored digitally like NFTs, tokenized real-world assets (e.g., property), online accounts, and various blockchain tokens. These assets offer greater security, transparency, and ease of transfer compared to traditional physical assets, thanks to blockchain technology.

The article also highlights the importance of digital wallets and private keys for managing these assets and explains stablecoins, which aim to provide stable value for everyday transactions. As digital assets grow in use, the law is adapting to address their unique challenges for investors, businesses, and individuals.

Read the full article here: https://www.stacehammond.co.nz/what-are-digital-assets-and-why-should-you-care/

For more information contact Patrick Wilson or Erin Littbarski here: https://www.stacehammond.co.nz/contact/

Curious about digital assets and why they matter? Explore how real-world assets are moving into the digital space, the rise of cryptocurrencies and tokenization, and what this means for your investments and business.

25/09/2025

Stace Hammond's Special Counsel, Dave Ananth, recently authored a compelling article on the importance of transparency in reporting GST and PAYE tax debts in New Zealand.

Dave sheds light on a critical issue—how unpaid tax debts, which are trust monies held on behalf of the government, often signal deeper financial distress in businesses. Insights of his commentary, also featured in recent media (“Companies fail to hand over GST and PAYE spotlight,” The Post, 9 September 2025), underscores the need for improved disclosure mechanisms to alert creditors and the public to financial distress signalled by unpaid tax debts. He makes a strong case for reinstating the disclosure of significant tax debts in credit reporting, a move that would empower creditors, suppliers, and investors to make better-informed decisions.

This is not just a legal argument but a call for responsible business practices that safeguard stakeholder interests and uphold fiduciary duties under New Zealand tax law.

We invite you to read Dave’s article to gain a deeper understanding of why transparency in tax debt reporting is essential for a healthy business environment.

Read the full articles here:

Enhancing Transparency in Reporting GST and PAYE Tax Debts in New Zealand: Legal and Practical Perspectives
https://www.stacehammond.co.nz/greater-transparency-reporting-gst-paye-tax-debts/

“Companies fail to hand over GST and PAYE spotlight,” The Post, 9 September 2025
https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360788273/companies-fail-hand-over-gst-and-paye-spotlight

Enhancing Transparency in GST and PAYE Tax Debt Reporting in New Zealand: Legal Insights and Policy BenefitsDiscover the importance of transparency in reporting GST and PAYE tax debts in New Zealand. This article by Dave Ananth examines the legal framework, risks of non-compliance, and benefits of r...

14/09/2025

Student loan debt in New Zealand has reached $16 billion, creating serious challenges for many borrowers.

Dave Ananth, Special Counsel at Stace Hammond Lawyers, recently shared his insights on The Panel about the significant personal impact this debt can have, including severe stress and relationship breakdowns.

The discussion highlights the need for compassionate, practical solutions alongside legal support for those affected.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/thepanel/audio/2019000941/the-panel-with-denise-l-estrange-corbet-and-andie-mccombs-part-1

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Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Denise L'Estrange-Corbet and Andie McComb. First up, New Zealanders owe an eye-watering 16 billion dollars of student loan debt. The panel hears from special counsel Dave Ananth from law firm Stace Hammond. He says he's had clients so st...

12/09/2025

The IRD’s use of advanced data mining to track overseas student loan debtors is a powerful tool — but it comes with challenges.

Dave Ananth, Special Counsel at Stace Hammond Lawyers and former IRD prosecutor, regularly helps New Zealanders abroad manage their tax obligations, including student loan debt. This year alone, he’s worked on 80 to 90 student loan cases.

Dave points out the scale of the problem: “It’s overwhelming for a lot of people, because a $20,000 loan after 20 years will have grown to 150 grand. People keep their head in the sand, because no one has that kind of money sitting in the bank.”

He also hears many cases where debtors feel the IRD is not working with them, especially around penalty remissions. As Dave puts it, “Putting my commercial hat on, there’s no point in squeezing blood from a stone.”

The recent Newsroom article covers this growing issue in depth.

Read more: https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/09/09/ird-uses-advanced-data-mining-to-track-student-loan-debtors-overseas/

If you are facing challenges with overseas student loan debt, it is advisable to seek professional advice early to explore your options and ensure compliance with your obligations.
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A private bounty hunting firm with Police and Defence connections and 'global reach' is being trialled to hunt overseas defaulters. Alice Peacock reports

11/09/2025

Our Special Counsel, Dave Ananth, recently shared his insights on Nine to Noon about the IRD’s ongoing crackdown on overseas student loan debt.
Drawing on his experience as a former IRD prosecutor, Dave discusses the challenges of enforcement alongside important concerns around privacy and fairness.

We invite you to listen to the full conversations with RNZ 's Nine to Noon host, Kathryn Ryan here:
IRD cracks down on overseas student debt:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019003626/ird-cracks-down-on-overseas-student-debt

IRD responds to concerns about its student loan crackdown:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019003795/ird-responds-to-concerns-about-its-student-loan-crackdown

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The tax department has ramped up efforts to crack down overseas student loan debtors - with more than a billion dollars owed by people that IRD has no contact information for.

19/08/2025

Paul Connolly, an expert in wills, trusts, and estate planning at Stace Hammond Lawyers, provides an overview of the recent changes to New Zealand’s probate threshold in this informative article. These updates have important implications for executors and beneficiaries, making it essential reading for anyone involved in estate administration.

Read the full article here: https://www.stacehammond.co.nz/probate-threshold-changes/

From 24 September 2025, the threshold for probate in NZ will rise from $15,000 to $40,000—helping reduce legal costs for smaller estates. Learn what this means for executors and beneficiaries.

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Monday	9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 5:30pm
Thursday	8am - 5:30pm
Friday	8am - 5:30pm