News & Insights

Debt recovery is an important but often overlooked function of local government.  Councils are responsible for recovering significant sums in unpaid rates, development contributions, lease payments and other debts.  While local authorities have strong statutory recovery tools available, delay can significantly reduce recovery prospects.  Early action often leads to faster, cheaper and more effective outcomes,…

What the High Court’s Podium decision means for property owners, landlords and tenants For anyone involved in property leasing, whether commercial or community-orientated, the distinction between a repair and maintenance, and an improvement, matters.  It affects tax treatment, maintenance programmes, lease outgoings recoveries, capital budgeting and, can often result in disputes between landlords and tenants.…

On 30 June 2026, the Government introduced the much-anticipated Building Act Amendment Bill including the proposal to move away from ‘joint and several’ to ‘proportionate’ liability for claims relating to building defects. This shift will mean that a party who is liable for a building defect will no longer face the risk of needing to…

The Environment Court has recently confirmed that a reasonable compliance timeframe is the time required to take the specified step – not the time required to advance a resource consent application.  The Environment Court has recently confirmed that a “reasonable” compliance timeframe in an abatement notice is directed to the practical time needed to cease…

We recently announced Felicity’s promotion to Associate Director and are delighted to share more about the experience, expertise and leadership she brings to our clients and the firm. Felicity has over 20 years’ experience in environmental, planning and local government matters.  She helps local government clients navigate New Zealand’s evolving resource management framework, delivering clear,…

We’re proud to share that Rice Speir has achieved Rainbow Tick certification! The Rainbow Tick is a certification awarded to organisations that have demonstrated their commitment to creating safe, inclusive and welcoming workplaces for the rainbow community. The certification process included informative workshops, a review of internal policies and practices, and an opportunity to reflect…

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…