Gifford Devine

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!

27/05/2026

Huge news for the rural sector. The government has announced reforms to KiwiSaver that will make it easier for farmers and rural workers—especially sharemilkers and farm managers—to buy their first farm.
Upcoming changes will allow withdrawals for purchases involving complex structures like companies or trusts, acknowledging the unique way New Zealand farms are owned. If you have been in KiwiSaver for at least three years and are looking to step into ownership, this could be your path forward.

https://gifforddevine.co.nz/kiwisaver-changes-open-the-door-to-first-farm-ownership/

The government has announced important changes to KiwiSaver that will make it easier for farmers and rural workers to use their KiwiSaver to buy their first farm. These reforms acknowledge the unique way in which farms are owned and operated in New Zealand.

21/05/2026

We’re proud to be hosting two Pink Ribbon events this year in support of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, a cause that is very close to our hearts at Gifford Devine.

As part of this year’s fundraising, we’re excited to have Black Sticks Captain Olivia Shannon joining us as a guest speaker at our Business & Bubbles event.

We would love your support as we help raise funds for the incredible work Breast Cancer Foundation NZ does across education, research, and support services.

If you would like to support our fundraising efforts, you can donate here: https://fundraise.bcf.org.nz/fundraisers/gifforddevine/pinkribbonbreakfast

12/05/2026

WorkSafe New Zealand's new four-year 'Statement of Intent' emphasizes the agricultural sector, now a high-priority risk area alongside construction and forestry. There will be increased engagement, including 1,000 recent farm visits to assess practices. WorkSafe is also developing Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) for vehicle operations, uneven terrain navigation, and child safety.

🌾🚜👷‍♂️

WorkSafe New Zealand has promised greater attention to safety in the agricultural sector when it announced the new four-year ‘Statement of Intent’ on 4 December 2025.

29/04/2026

Explore the essential distinctions between an agreement to lease and a deed of lease in New Zealand's commercial property sector. This includes understanding assignment rights, bank financing prerequisites, and the significance of formalizing daily management responsibilities.

Understand the critical differences between an agreement to lease and a deed of lease in New Zealand commercial property, including assignment rights, bank financing requirements, and the importance of formalising day-to-day management obligations.

29/04/2026

Ready for your next step in Hawke’s Bay?

We’re looking for a Senior Solicitor to join our Property & Commercial team at Gifford Devine.

This is a great opportunity to step into quality work, strong client relationships, and a firm that’s growing and evolving. You’ll be based in Hastings and Havelock North, with the benefit of working across our wider Hawke’s Bay offices.

At Gifford Devine, we’re building a modern regional firm, great people, great clients, and a culture that supports you to do your best work.

If you’re considering a move, or just open to a conversation, we’d love to hear from you.

🔗 Find out more or apply here:
https://nz.seek.com/job/91803417

Feel free to share or tag someone who might be interested!

Shape your future with us, build meaningful client relationships, and thrive in a supportive, growth-oriented environment.

20/04/2026

Summer Clerkship Programme – Applications Closing Soon

Applications for our 2026/2027 Summer Clerkship Programme at Gifford Devine are closing at the end of April.

This is a great opportunity for law students to gain hands-on experience, work alongside our team, and get real insight into life at a leading Hawke’s Bay law firm.

If you’re keen to join us over summer, we’d love to hear from you — apply here:
https://gifforddevine.co.nz/summer-clerkship-programme.../

Applications close 30 April 2026.

15/04/2026

Learn about the legal implications of caveats in New Zealand property law, including how they protect interests, the strict requirements for a "caveatable interest," and the potential risks of compensation claims for improper registration. 🏡⚖️

Learn about the legal implications of caveats in New Zealand property law, including how they protect interests, the strict requirements for a "caveatable interest," and the potential risks of compensation claims for improper registration.

01/04/2026

Explore alternative property ownership options in New Zealand to tackle soaring house prices, such as parental lending, co-ownership through property sharing agreements, and iwi-based shared equity schemes. 🏡💰

Discover alternative property ownership structures in New Zealand to combat high house prices, including parental lending, co-ownership with property sharing agreements, and iwi-based shared equity schemes.