Duncan Cotterill

Great litigators build careers in all corners of the world. Sometimes, the next step is bringing that experience home. ⚖️  If you're currently working overseas and considering a return to New Zealand, we'd love to connect. We'd love to hear from you. Contact charlotte.holmes@duncancotterill.com to find out more.

What does doing business in China look like on the ground? A great discussion on the realities of doing business in China, with insights from Hunter McGregor and Alistair Crozier on the changing market and the opportunities for New Zealand businesses. The Christchurch session was part of ExportNZ’s China from the Ground series and brought together members of the local export community for a timely conversation about the market. Thanks to Joshua Tan, Hunter McGregor and Alistair Crozier for sharing their insights, and to everyone who joined us. ExportNZ New Zealand China Council Christchurch Business Club ChristchurchNZ New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

If parents contribute towards their child's first home, who owns that money? 📝 It might seem like a simple question, but if the arrangement isn't clearly documented, the answer isn't always straightforward. A recent Court of Appeal decision is a timely reminder that financial support from parents may be treated as a gift, a loan, or even give rise to an ownership interest, depending on the evidence and the family's intentions. Before money changes hands, consider 💭 • Is the contribution intended to be a gift, a loan or an ownership interest? • Has that intention been clearly documented? • Have relationship property, estate planning and asset protection been considered? • Is the arrangement structured in a way that reflects everyone's expectations? Our latest article unpacks the Court's decision and explains why a little planning at the outset can help avoid costly disputes years later. Read more via the link below.

Looking to kickstart your legal career in Canterbury? 🎓  Applications for our Canterbury Law Scholarship are now open. At Duncan Cotterill, we want you to start your legal career with more than just a qualification. From day one, you’ll have the opportunity to gain real experience, work with real clients and be supported by people who want to see you succeed. Ready to get started? Apply now via the link in the comments below.

What could the upcoming general election mean for New Zealand? 🐝 The latest episode of the Three Gals, One Beehive podcast is now live, with Georgie Stylianou, Brigitte Morten and Esther Robinson sharing their sharp insights and candid perspectives on New Zealand politics. A big thank you to everyone who joined us in our Wellington office for the live recording and Q&A. The discussion covered current legislative and policy developments, the political dynamics leading into the general election, and what the changing political landscape could mean for businesses, clients and the wider region. Listen to the latest episode at the link in the comments below. 🎧

Changes are coming to the Parent Resident Visa selection process. 👨👩👧👦 The Government has announced a new hybrid system for selecting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under the Parent Resident Visa Category, taking effect from 5 October 2026. Under the new system: • 90% of EOIs will be selected in date order, based on when they were submitted • 10% will be selected through a ballot • The annual cap of 2,500 Parent Resident Visas remains • Existing EOI holders will automatically transition to the new system and will not need to submit a new EOI • EOIs will no longer expire, although applicants will need to confirm every two years that they wish to remain in the pool and keep their information up to date The first selection under the new system is scheduled for 10 November 2026. Immigration New Zealand will also provide current EOI holders with information about their position in the queue after the new system takes effect. Our immigration team will continue to monitor these changes as further information is released. Read our article linked below for more information.

Thinking about renovating your cross-lease property? 🏡  A recent Court of Appeal decision has clarified when a neighbour can, and can't, reasonably withhold consent for proposed alterations. 📌 Key takeaways: • A neighbour doesn't automatically have the right to veto your renovation. • Consent decisions must be reasonable and based on the specific circumstances. • The effects on privacy, views, property value and future development rights may all be relevant. • Council approval and cross-lease consent are separate requirements, and you may need both. • Reviewing your cross-lease documents before starting any work can help avoid costly delays and disputes. Our latest article explores what the decision means for cross-lease owners and the practical steps to take before planning your next renovation. Read more via the link below.

📍 Senior Associate – Litigation | Wellington We're looking for an experienced Senior Associate to join our growing Wellington Litigation team. This is a great opportunity to work on complex litigation and insurance matters, build your expertise, and be part of a collaborative and supportive team. If you're ready for your next career move, we'd love to hear from you. Find out more and apply via the link below.

Helping your children into the property market is becoming increasingly common, whether it's contributing to a deposit, providing a loan, or guaranteeing a home loan. 🏠  While these arrangements are often based on trust and goodwill, it's important to consider the legal implications before providing financial support. Things to think about 💡  • Is the financial support intended to be a gift or a loan? • Should a contracting out agreement be considered? • Could the arrangement affect future residential care subsidy eligibility? • How can financial support be balanced fairly between children? • What are the risks of acting as a guarantor? Taking the time to plan and document the arrangement from the outset can help provide certainty and reduce the risk of disputes later on. Read our latest article via the link below.

Congratulations to Gene Park and Megan Blackwood on winning the 2026 New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa & Meredith Connell Mooting Competition. 🏆 This is an outstanding achievement, with Gene and Megan progressing through multiple rounds before presenting in the final before a judging panel, including Hon Simon Moore KC and Andy Luck, Partner at Meredith Connell. We're incredibly proud of the dedication, advocacy skills and professionalism they demonstrated throughout the competition. Join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved success!