Property Law Conference 2026

Don’t miss the CLE Property Law Conference – two days packed with expert insights, practical takeaways, and opportunities to network with leading practitioners. From case law updates to cutting-edge legal tech, this event equips you with the tools to thrive in today’s property law environment. Register now to lock in Early Bird savings!

Programme outline

Day 1

• Practical AI and legal tech for property lawyers – Gene Turner (LawHawk) and Paul Turner (Goodwin Turner)
• A key update on Residents’ Societies – Thomas Gibbons (Thomas Gibbons Law)
• Commercial leases – Michelle Hill (Dentons)
• Property case law update – Sarah Wroe (Eldon Chambers)
• LINZ and requisitions – common errors, examples and checklists – LINZ
• Strategies for managing difficult clients, and what happens when a complaint is  made? – Niamh McMahon (MTB Lawyers) and Gareth Smith (the Law Society)
• The life cycle of a Property Works Act transaction – Matthew Ockleston (Dentons), Mark Dow (New Zealand Institute of Valuers) and Louise Mincher (WSP)
• Keynote – Economy and property market insights – Tony Alexander
  Join Tony as he draws on decades of economic expertise to unpack the latest trends shaping New Zealand’s property market. Tony will share practical insights that could influence how you advise your clients and help you adapt your practice to an ever-changing property landscape. Expect clear, actionable perspectives on what’s driving the market and what it means for you.
• Networking event 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Day 2

• Keynote – How to create healthy work boundaries to put your wellbeing first – Philly Powell (Wellbeing First)
  Join Philly for this interactive session where attendees will be guided to share and discuss common pressures in property law practice, and then work through practical exercises to build strategies, set boundaries, and access resources to manage stress and workload effectively.
• The intersection of property and relationship property disputes – Colette Mackenzie (Greg Kelly Trust Law)
• Insurance – a minefield to navigate – Duncan Terris (Terris Legal) and Natasha Clarke (Gallagher Insurance)
• GST and residential property – Stephen Tomlinson (Tomlinson Law)
• Māori land – Cameron Hockly (Hockly Legal)
• Rural overview – representative from Tavendale + Partners
• Panel – ask me anything…

Learning objectives

In this conference you will be:

• Updated on the key topical issues, legislation and case law.
• Equipped with practical tools and takeaway tips.
• Able to apply this knowledge in your practice.

Who should attend

All practitioners and legal executives involved in land and property, insurance and finance, trusts and estates, and relationship property transactions.

Conference chair

Mark Colthart
FortyEight Shortland, Auckland

With over 30 years of legal experience and having been consistently recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading property and construction lawyers, Mark is a trusted authority in commercial arbitration, construction law, and complex property disputes. 

 

Social events

Networking Event – Monday 4 May 5.00pm – 7.00pm and the Property Law Section Rising Star Awards

Join us for this popular networking event, providing an opportunity to connect with your fellow professionals and our expert presenters, and to congratulate and acknowledge some Property Law Section Rising Stars. Your attendance is included in the registration fee.

Exclusive accommodation discounts for conference attendees

We’ve partnered with top hotels to make your stay during the conference more comfortable and affordable. Take advantage of these special offers:

• Novotel and Ibis: Book directly using this link for a pre-loaded promo code.
• Crowne Plaza: Book directly using this link for a pre-loaded promo code.
• Fable: 15% off using discount code NZLAW526.
• The Mayfair: 15% off using discount code PLC2026.

Discounts are offered on behalf of the hotels and are subject to the booking terms and conditions of each hotel.

Book

A PDF book is included in your registration fee. If you would like to add a hard copy book for an additional $65 Excl GST, please indicate below when you register.

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. The most popular breakout sessions will be live streamed. A recording will be distributed approximately one week after the event.

Recording

All attendees receive four weeks of access to live stream recording following each session. This added benefit allows you to revisit key insights at your convenience and reinforce your learning well beyond the event. Recordings will be available approximately one week after the event.

Timing 

• Day 1: 4 May 2026, 9.00am – 5.00pm followed by Networking event and the Property Law Section Rising Star Awards 5.00pm – 7.00pm
• Day 2: 5 May 2026, 9.00am – 4.30pm

Fee (Excl GST) 

Law Society Members benefit from up to 30% off – please login to receive member pricing
In-person

• $1,322 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,891 – Non-members

• $1,496 – Law Society members & associate members
• $2,065 – Non-members

Live Web Stream

• $1,304 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,865 – Non-members

• $1,478 – Law Society members & associate members
• $2,039 – Non-members

View group pricing options

Comments from past attendees

• “I have to say it was an outstanding conference and the speakers were brilliant!”
• “Overall, the conference was exceptional.”
• “An excellent and concise update of relevant case law.”

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. View full Law Society event terms.