Harmans Lawyers

08/09/2026

We recently hosted a full team lunch to say thanks to everyone for their hard work over the past few months, while welcoming a few new faces to Harmans. On the menu was pizza, chips and fruit. But mainly pizza.

📣 In other news, Friday is now the most popular day not only for settlements, but also for heated inter-office competition.

🎯 The recently established tradition of Friday darts gives anyone in the firm the chance to throw their best three darts, record their score (and, importantly, their dart name) and have a crack at the winners' voucher wheel.

🥇 Last week Ju Ju on Dat Beat (Juliette, Law Clerk (Family Team)), took the title and won a voucher from JD Sports, taking the title from the previous winner, The Vixen (Vicki, Office Manager).

03/09/2026

We were proud to join members of the local legal community at the Canterbury-Westland Branch of the New Zealand Law Society’s annual dinner last Friday.

Held at One New Zealand Stadium, and attended by Harmans partners and associates from a number of our teams, the evening was a great opportunity to catch up and celebrate with colleagues in the profession.

A big thanks to all those who made the evening such a success, including Justice Rob Osborne for sharing his insights as guest speaker on the night.

23/08/2026

Colin Abernethy, Partner and Deputy Chair of the Family Law Section, recently visited the University of Otago to speak with family law students about the profession, pathways into family law and what life is really like as a family lawyer.

Colin was joined by Family Law Section Chair Richard Smith, with the visit also marking the launch of a new work experience scheme connecting students with family law practitioners during university holidays.

The initiative aims to give students a better understanding of practising family law, while helping address the shortage of family lawyers and legal aid providers in parts of New Zealand.

The pilot is currently running through the University of Otago, with the potential to expand in the future.

11/08/2026

If you've helped your child buy a home, was it a gift or a loan?

A recent New Zealand Court of Appeal decision has confirmed that, unless there is evidence to the contrary, money or property transferred from parents to their adult children will generally be presumed to be a gift.

While that may reflect what many families intend, it can also lead to unexpected outcomes if expectations change or the arrangement was never properly documented.

The key takeaway? If money is intended to be repaid, or ownership is meant to be shared, make sure it's recorded clearly from the outset.

Read the full article by Partner Melissa Borcoski (link in the comments) to learn what this decision means for parents, adult children, and anyone considering providing financial assistance to family members.

27/07/2026

Congratulations to Max Dowd, who has been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand - the start of an exciting new chapter in his career.

Getting here was a journey that took four years of university study, Professional Legal Studies, and no shortage of hard work. We've had a front-row seat to that since Max joined us as a Summer Clerk in 2024/25, and it's fantastic to see it lead to this moment.

Today, Max is a valued member of our Commercial & Property team, working with clients on residential and commercial conveyancing, business sales and purchases, leasing, and a wide range of commercial matters.

Well done, Max, we're delighted to have you on the team and can't wait to see what you'll achieve in the coming years.

22/07/2026

What's the one thing most first home buyers wish someone had told them before they started looking?

Usually, it's this: it's rarely the house-hunting that’s the most challenging bit, it's the finance and legal steps behind it.

Recently, H**e Haughey from our Commercial & Property team hosted a First Home Buyers Evening at our Harmans offices, alongside Abbey McSherry from MYlend and Charlotte Heaslip from Bayleys Canterbury, walking attendees through exactly those steps, from finance and legal considerations to the practical realities of the buying process.

It was great to see so many thoughtful questions and new connections being made. Thanks to everyone who came along, and to H**e, Abbey and Charlotte for sharing their expertise.

Buying your first home is a big step - if you're thinking about taking it, get in touch. We'd love to help.

15/07/2026

Fifty years ago, the Property (Relationships) Act reshaped how Aotearoa thinks about fairness when relationships end. Recently three of our family law team - Colin Abernethy, Jeremy Daley and Harriet Daley were in the Grand Hall at Parliament to mark that milestone. Colin attended in his role as Deputy Chair of the NZ Law Society's Family Law Section.

It was a privilege to be in the room with the judges, academics and practitioners who've shaped this area of law, hearing discussion that ranged from case law developments and tikanga considerations through to the Law Commission's recommendations for a framework that better reflects how families and relationships actually look today.

Thanks to the Family Law Section for putting together such a thoughtful programme.

New Zealand Law Society

10/06/2026

🏠 Thinking about buying your first home?

We are hosting an evening just for you! ✨

Whether you are just starting to think about purchasing or you are ready to make an offer, everyone is welcome.

You will hear from three industry professionals:
⚖️ Property Lawyer
💰 Mortgage Adviser
🏡 Real Estate Agent
who will share practical tips for purchasing.

📅 Please register at the link below. We look forward to seeing you for a relaxed and informative evening. 😊

🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/first-home-buyer-evening-tickets-1991020722578

H**e Haughey | Abbey McSherry | Charlotte Heaslip

New Zealand's most dynamic mid-sized law firm.

01/06/2026

We are thrilled to announce that Beker Stone has officially merged with Harmans, effective today.

As part of this exciting development, the Beker Stone team - including Daniel Beker, Bevan Stone, and Peter Cordner - joins Harmans.

We warmly welcome the Beker Stone team and their clients to Harmans.

For Beker Stone clients, this merger enhances our ability to support you with broader expertise, deeper resources, and an expanded team, while continuing to provide the personalised service and trusted advice you know.

This is a natural fit between two highly aligned practices, built on shared values and long-standing client relationships, and it marks a positive step forward for all involved.

22/05/2026

The office turned pink yesterday in support of breast cancer awareness.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand women. 1 in 10 women will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. And more than 650 women in Aotearoa die from the disease every year.

We are proud to have raised $1,644. The funds raised go towards vital ground-breaking breast cancer research, life-saving education and life-changing patient support.