Sutcliffe Matson Law

08/09/2026

Considering a subdivision? Don't let hidden title issues catch you by surprise.🏡

Resource consent is only one piece of the puzzle. Covenants, easements, access arrangements, mortgagee consents, and ownership structures can all affect what you're able to do with your land.

Our latest article explores some of the most common legal issues that arise during subdivision projects and why seeking advice early can save time, money, and stress.

📖 Read more about it here: https://loom.ly/dfp-pHA

01/09/2026

Medical vs Property EPOA: What's the Difference?

If you were unable to make decisions for yourself tomorrow, who would step in? An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity.

What many people don't realise is that there are two types of EPOA:

🏥 Personal Care & Welfare EPOA
Covers decisions relating to your health, care, and wellbeing.

💰 Property EPOA
Covers decisions relating to your finances, assets, and property.

Both serve different purposes, but together they help ensure your affairs can be managed by the people you trust most.

Without an EPOA, your loved ones may need to apply to the Court for authority to act on your behalf, which can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful.

Planning ahead means you stay in control by choosing:
• Who can act for you
• What authority they have
• Who steps in if they're unable to

📖 Want to learn more? We have a comprehensive EPOA Guide available on our website: https://loom.ly/IC47jqk

Have questions? We're here to help. Contact our team to discuss your circumstances and next steps!
📧 [email protected]
📞 09 279 8351
🌐 Sutcliffe Matson https://loom.ly/7zD3C2Y

16/08/2026

Many New Zealanders assume their spouse, partner, or adult children can automatically make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity.

Unfortunately, that's not how it works.

An Enduring Power of Attorney is one of the most important legal documents you can have in place, yet many New Zealanders don't fully understand how it works until it's needed.

We've put together a guide covering everything you need to know about EPOAs, common misconceptions, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Read more on our latest blog: https://loom.ly/IC47jqk

Learn what an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) is, why every New Zealander should have one, what happens if you lose capacity without one, and how to protect your family from costly legal complications.

14/08/2026

Whether it's navigating a loved one's will, planning for the future, or understanding your legal options, clear communication matters. 💙

We're proud to provide clarity when it matters most.

13/08/2026

A great feature on our solicitor Zara Kotwal, in the latest Women in Business series from the Eastern Times.

Zara is a valued part of our SMLaw team and is passionate about supporting clients through challenging times with clear, practical and compassionate advice.

Zara Kotwal, Solicitor at Sutcliffe Matson Law, supports clients through what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives, providing clear, practical advice to help them understand their rights and navigate the legal process with confidence.

Story link in the comments.

05/08/2026

When There's a Will, there's a Way:
It's often assumed that someone's assets automatically pass to their children or spouse when they die. However, if there’s no Will in place, your estate is distributed according to New Zealand law, regardless of what your family believes your wishes were.

A surviving spouse may not inherit everything, and children can have a legal entitlement to part of the estate. In some cases, families may be forced into difficult financial.

A Will ensures your wishes are clearly recorded and legally recognised. It gives you control over who inherits your assets, protects what's important to you, and provides clarity for your loved ones when they need it most.

Planning for the future isn't always easy, but having a valid Will in place will not only honour your wishes but also provide certainty for the people who matter most.

Want to learn more? We've covered the consequences of dying without a Will, how estates are distributed under New Zealand law, and why having a valid Will is so important in one of our blogs.

📖 Read more here: https://loom.ly/6kFeqJk

Our team here at Sutcliffe Matson provides experienced advice and responsive service to help you protect what matters most. If you'd like to make, review, or update your Will, contact our team today.

📧 [email protected]
📞 09 279 8351
🌐 Sutcliffe Matson https://loom.ly/7zD3C2Y

29/07/2026

Congratulations Beachlands Maraetai U85’s. Proud sponsor!

07/07/2026

We’re proud to be part of the East Auckland community and grateful to the Eastern Times for sharing our story.

As we continue to grow, our focus remains the same – providing approachable, practical legal advice and building lasting relationships with our clients.

Sutcliffe Matson Law is pleased to announce Breanna Fuller has moved into partnership with Braden Matson.

Story link in the comments.

01/07/2026

Exciting news from the Sutcliffe Matson Law team!

We're proud to announce that Breanna Fuller has officially joined as Director alongside Braden Matson.

Breanna has been an integral part of our firm, and this next step reflects her dedication, expertise, and the trust our clients have placed in her over the years. We couldn't be more thrilled to welcome her into this new role.

Same friendly, local legal team, now with two directors guiding the way. Here's to the next chapter!

Unit A, 16 Bishop Dunn Place, Flat Bush | 38 Wakelin Road, Beachlands
09 279 8351 | [email protected]

26/06/2026

Christina, Breanna, Shobhna, Stephanie, Jasmine and Braden attended the South Auckland Lawyers Lunch earlier this week. An excellent opportunity to connect with lawyers across South Auckland, build new relationships, and spend time together as a team.