Trusts Conference 2025

The CLE New Zealand Law Society Trusts Conference has a secure place in the New Zealand trust law calendar as the premier biennial trusts event. This year’s programme will again offer insight, analysis, current issues and practical advice from a compelling line-up of experienced practitioners, and the event will refresh and motivate your future practice.

From the chair

The world has become increasingly turbulent and unpredictable. This is reflected in the practices of trust and estate advisers. On top of a stream of High Court decisions interpreting the Trusts Act 2019, our Supreme Court has recently issued three long-awaited and significant decisions which all of us need to understand.

What are the important developments in trust and estate law?

What are the emerging trends?

What should we advise our clients? How do we implement that advice?

The planning committee for this year’s biennial Trusts Conference has handpicked a stellar group of speakers to address these issues.

I look forward to seeing you at the Trusts Conference in June.

Conference chair

   Greg Kelly, Greg Kelly Trust Law, Wellington

Programme outline

Download PDF brochure for a full outline of each session

Day 1 Keynote speaker – Professor Matthew Conaglen – Developments in New Zealand Trust Law with Reference to Recent Court Decisions Case Law Update Lessons from Legler v Formannoij Drafting to Meet Your Client's Objectives: Legler and beyond!  Supreme Court Decisions on Trust Law Trusts – cross border tax issues Death and the Law – succession planning Whose Claim is it Anyway? How Aotearoa New Zealand Approaches Derivative Actions Followed by networking drinks and canapés

Day 2 Navigating the Intersection – tikanga and trust law ADR – you can lead a horse to water, but can you make it drink? Overseas Jurisdiction Lessons Trusts and Blended Families Review of Trustee Decisions Getting Trusts Back on Track: Ratification, variations and applications for directions Thorny issues (panel discussion)

Learning objectives

In this conference you will be:

• Updated on topical issues, legislation and case law.
• Able to apply this knowledge in your practice.

Who should attend

Civil litigation, family, property and trusts & estates lawyers.

Book

A background book written by the presenters is available in hard copy, PDF, or both. Please indicate your choice upon registration.

• Hard Copy – Your book will be couriered to you – no extra charge
• PDF – You will be emailed a PDF copy of the book 3 working days before the event – no extra charge
• Both Hard Copy & PDF – You will be emailed a PDF copy of the book 3 working days before the event, and couriered the hard copy book – additional $60 charge

Format

This conference will include a diverse lineup of expert presenters covering a range of topics. Each session will include time for questions.

Held in-person & online. Live web stream registrants – you will be emailed a link to join the live stream one week before. For information on what is required to participate in the live web stream, click here.

Timing

• Day 1: 9.00am – 5.00pm followed by networking drinks and canapés 5.00pm – 6.30pm
• Day 2: 9.00am – 4.00pm

Fee (incl GST)

Law Society Members benefit from up to 30% off 

In-Person

Earlybird – by 13 May 2025

• $1,420 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,845 – Non-members

Registration – after 13 May 2025

• $1,520 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,945 – Non-members

Live Web Stream

2+1 available for Law Society Member live web stream registrations – must be arranged at time of booking – find out more
Earlybird – by 13 May 2025

• $1,400 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,825 – Non-members

Registration - after 13 May 2025

• $1,500 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,925 – Non-members

Download PDF brochure & registration form

Wellington	9 - 10 June 2025
Auckland	23 - 24 June 2025
Live Web Stream	23 - 24 June 2025
I can't attend, but please let me know when the book is available to purchase.

Comments from past attendees

• “Passionate speakers who share their knowledge.”
• “The diversity of subjects discussed and the quality of the presentations was excellent.”
• “Great cross section of topics and presenters and networking with kindred spirits.”

Cancellation and Refund Policy

You may cancel your registration eight working days in advance of an event, and you will receive a refund less a 25% administration fee. If you cancel less than eight working days in advance of the event, no refund is payable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another person. If you wish to do so you must advise CLE New Zealand Law Society in writing of the change. CLE reserves the right to close registrations, and cancel or reschedule an event as necessary. Where an event is cancelled by CLE, a full refund is payable.