News & Insights

Paper Roads, Public Trusts, and Long‑Term Infrastructure: What Ours Not Mines v Hauraki District Council Means for Local Government The Court of Appeal’s decision in Ours Not Mines Ltd v Hauraki District Council [2026] NZCA 138 is one of the most important local government roading cases in recent years.  Although it arose out of a…

Council officers often enter private properties to carry out their statutory duties.  The recent decision in Taupō District Council v Paalvast [2026] NZDC 3814 confirms that, provided they follow the correct steps, they can do so lawfully without risking a claim against them in trespass. This is an important decision – and may be relied…

Last week, the Government introduced the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill (Bill). While much of the commentary has focused on the hospitality sector, the changes will be just as significant for local government and District Licensing Committees (DLCs). What the bill does: Narrows the scope for who can object to…

From 15 January 2026, two major regulatory changes will take effect that together reshape how detached minor residential units (commonly known as “granny flats”) are delivered in New Zealand: Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units) Regulations 2025 (NES-DMRU) under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA); and Changes to the Building Act…

Local Government in New Zealand, and the funding of infrastructure, is poised for a busy year in 2026.  Key to this is the planned replacement of Development Contributions with a new Development Levies system proposed through the Local Government (Infrastructure Funding) Amendment Bill (LG Infrastructure Funding Bill).  The LG Infrastructure Funding Bill is part of…

If your council is working on reshaping your Land Information Memorandum (LIM) template to align with the updated Local Government and Official Information Act 1987 (LGOIMA) natural hazard requirements, take comfort: almost every council across the country is in the same boat. The recent changes around natural hazard disclosure have prompted a nationwide rethink of…

With the local government elections now behind us, councils across the motu are working through inductions, briefings, and the first meetings of the new triennium.  It’s a period of adjustment, with new faces around the table and returning members settling back into the rhythm of governance. It’s also an ideal moment to pause and consider…

The High Court has revoked the off-licence of a bottle store at a contentious South Auckland site following an appeal brought by the Auckland Alcohol Licencing Inspector (Inspector).  The case of Singh 13 Investments Limited [2025] NZHC 2868 concerned a Thirsty Liquor located in Māngere East, a vulnerable community known to have high levels of…

We’re delighted to welcome Charlene to Rice Speir as Special Counsel in our Civil Team.  She brings extensive expertise in litigation, particularly defective building claims, and a proven track record in resolving complex disputes.  Charlene has a particular interest in major latent defect litigation and has acted in high-stakes proceedings involving structural and fire defects.…

As part of its commitment to overarching resource management reform, the Government recently passed into law the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (Amendment Act) which introduces significant reforms to the compliance and enforcement framework of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). These reforms, most of which came into force on…