Gifford Devine

03/09/2026

A huge congratulations to Kezia and the Havelock North High School Girls’ First XI!

Kezia has been coaching the team at the Jenny Hair Cup in Wellington this week, and after a fantastic tournament, the girls have made the top four and will play off for third and fourth place today.

Well done, Kezia and team! We’ll be cheering you on!

01/09/2026

If you provide housing for farm workers, contract milkers or sharemilkers, you're a residential landlord in the eyes of the law - and m**h contamination is a growing risk area to manage.

From April 2026 new regulations set out when testing and decontamination are mandatory, and courts have shown how much a baseline test matters if a dispute ever arises. Read more on our website (link in bio/comments).

Farm owners providing worker accommodation are legal landlords, and m**hamphetamine contamination is a growing risk area to manage. Here's what the law requires, why baseline testing matters, and how to protect yourself from disputes down the track.

20/08/2026

The new NZ-India Free Trade Agreement could open real doors for red meat, horticulture, forestry and wool exporters as India's middle class grows. It still has to clear Parliament — and success will come down to managing contracts, payment terms and biosecurity right from the start. Head to our website to read the full breakdown.

The new NZ-India Free Trade Agreement could open real doors for red meat, horticulture, forestry and wool. Here's what the deal means for rural New Zealand, and why success will come down to more than just the signing.

03/08/2026

Buying or selling property? The standard Agreement for Sale and Purchase has recently changed, and it’s important to understand what those updates could mean for you.

Read our latest article to learn more before you sign.

Need advice specific to your property? Get in touch with our team for support.

The revised Law Association Agreement for Sale and Purchase features new warranties for building work and unaltered forms, updated finance and OIO conditions, and altered compensation claims.

27/07/2026

Graduate Opportunities – Applications Now Open

Start your legal career with one of Hawke's Bay's leading law firms.

Gifford Devine is now accepting applications for Graduate Solicitor positions commencing late February 2027.

With offices in Hastings, Havelock North, Napier and Waipawa, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced lawyers across a broad range of practice areas while building the foundations of a successful legal career.

We're looking for graduates who:

- Have completed (or are completing) their LLB.
- Have strong academic results and excellent communication skills.
- Are motivated, curious and enjoy working as part of a team.
- Have a connection to Hawke's Bay or are keen to build their career in the region.

As part of your graduate programme, we'll support you through your Professional Legal Studies (PROFS) if you haven't already completed them.

To apply, please send your:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Academic transcript
to [email protected]

Applications close Monday, 24 August 2026.

If you're looking for a firm that offers genuine mentoring, early responsibility and the opportunity to build a long-term career in Hawke's Bay, we'd love to hear from you.

23/07/2026

Planning a subdivision? The legal structure you choose can have a big impact on how your development works.

Our latest article looks at three types of agreements commonly used in subdivisions, and explores some of the pros and cons of each approach.

Read the full article on our website.

Modern developers use residents' societies, unit titles, or land covenants to manage new subdivisions. We take a closer look at the benefits and challenges of each type of agreement.

08/07/2026

Are you keeping up with the legal and regulatory changes affecting businesses?
From employment and commercial law updates to changes that may affect business operations, staying informed matters.
Our latest Business Briefs article highlights key legal developments and practical considerations for New Zealand businesses — helping you stay ahead of changes that could impact your organisation.

Updates on NZ unconscionable conduct enforcement, foreign investment reform, new privacy rules, and key employment law changes.

25/06/2026

Health & Safety law changes: what could they mean for your business?
Proposed amendments to the Health and Safety at Work Act may change how some businesses understand and manage workplace obligations.

If you’re an employer, business owner or contractor, now is a good time to understand what’s being proposed - and what it could mean in practice.
Our latest article breaks down the key proposed changes.
Read more: https://gifforddevine.co.nz/health-and-safety-at-work-amendment-bill/

11/06/2026

Every Budget announcement brings changes — but understanding how they may affect your finances, property decisions, business planning or legal obligations can be another matter.

From tax and housing changes to infrastructure and investment priorities, Budget 2026 introduces a number of developments that may have practical implications for New Zealanders.

Our latest article breaks down the key updates and explores what they could mean from a legal and practical perspective.

Read more here: https://gifforddevine.co.nz/budget-2026/

Taking a look at Budget 2026, including the focus on a return to surplus by 2028-29, and major spending on health, education, infrastructure, and fuel cost relief.

03/06/2026

We were proud to support Pink Ribbon this year across our Hawke's Bay offices!

A wonderful couple of events, a staff breakfast shared across our offices and a networking evening with some of our friends of the firm.

We were also thrilled to have Vantage Black Sticks Captain Olivia Shannon join us online from Perth to share her impressive journey in professional sport, an inspiring addition to the evening.

Together we raised $2,300 for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, a fantastic result and a reflection of the generosity of our team and the wider community around us.

A huge thank you to Kezia Taylor and the wider team for pulling these events together, and to everyone who came along, contributed, and helped make both events such a success.

We are already looking forward to next year!