PRA - keeping ahead of the pack 2025

Your annual ‘must attend’ PRA update offering an in-depth programme presented by a stellar line-up of industry experts who will update you on the latest cases and their implications to ensure that you keep up to date and ahead of the pack in this challenging area of law.

This year’s programme includes:

• Practical guidance for navigating the complexities of setting aside and ameliorating issues with contracting out agreements
• The interface between the PRA and will challenges
• Best approach guidance for dealing with overseas property in New Zealand separations.

From the chair

Tēnā koutou,

A separation between spouses or partners is not only emotionally fraught and challenging because of its immediate impact. The necessary division of property involves some of the most important decisions that each spouse will make, because in most cases it will determine the financial platform for each spouse’s future.

As relationship property lawyers, our clients rely on us to guide them in making those decisions. But giving guidance is not straightforward. Property can take many forms and exist in many jurisdictions. The PRA limits the extent to which those issues can ultimately be decided by New Zealand’s courts. Some clients, cut off from the previously shared accounts, may lack the immediate resources to assert their claims before a court. Others will find that their relationship ended by death and need to deal with a will. And some may wish to challenge a decision they made earlier, finding themselves seeking to set aside a contracting out agreement.

In all those cases, there will be a party on the opposing side. We must be able to advise either side of such disputes. We must also recognise that litigation is usually the last resort and that early advice, accompanied by properly drafted documents, can minimise or eliminate future disputes (or minimise or eliminate successful challenges to arrangements). This programme aims to give practitioners – both in terms of disputes and drafting – tools to best protect and advance your clients’ interests.

I look forward to welcoming you to the conference in May.

Conference chair

   Isaac Hikaka, Mills Lane Chambers, Auckland

Programme outline

Download PDF brochure for a full outline of each session

• Case Law Update
• Supporting the Non-Property-Owning Spouse to Hearing
• Dealing with Overseas Property in New Zealand Separations
• Will Challenges and PRA Proceedings
• Tikanga and the PRA
• Overturning SS 21 & 21A Agreements
• Ameliorating Issues with Contracting Out Agreements

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

Family, property and trust lawyers at all levels of experience.

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 $45 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

• 8.30am - 4.30pm

Fee (incl GST)

Law Society Members benefit from up to 30% off 

In-Person

Earlybird – by 16 April 2025

• $795 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,135 – Non-members

Registration – after 16 April 2025

• $895 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,235 – 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 16 April 2025

• $775 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,115 – Non-members

Registration - after 16 April 2025

• $875 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,215 – Non-members

Download PDF flyer & registration form

Auckland	14 May 2025
Live Web Stream	14 May 2025
I can't attend, but please let me know when the book is available to purchase.

Comments from past attendees

• “It was all amazing, the speakers and topics were excellent. An excellent update of all things PRA”.
• “Good “hands on” material which is relevant to practice.”

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.