Package Fee (incl GST)

• $680 - Law Society members and Associate members (usually $929)
• $885 - Non-members (usually $1,199)

Note: Access to the online files is via your "My CPD" page. If you would like to purchase multiple packages, please contact us here.

Online CPD Modules

No Will - an intestate estate - 2 CPD hours

• Publication date: September 2022
• Authors: Theresa Donnelly, Henry Stokes

The death of a family member is an extremely stressful time, and this is compounded if they die without a will. As many as 50% of New Zealanders will die with no will, and even if they have a will there may be a partial intestacy or “special” intestacy (where the executors fail). It is crucial you understand the intestacy process, including the succession trusts and how far they go. If you get it wrong it can be too late to fix things after distribution.

This module will include:

• The search for a will – what must be covered off
• Discussions on testamentary documents – are you looking at a Validation instead?
• An overview of the application itself; who can apply and the documents required
• Understanding the succession trusts, how they work and how far they go
• The search for beneficiaries – the steps you need to take, how far must you go and when you have done enough
• Administration issues in brief, including Declarations of Family History.

Varying Trust Deeds - 1 CPD hour

• Publication date: September 2022
• Authors: Aimee Mitchell

The landscape in relation to trusts has changed significantly in recent years and, adding to the complexity, is the Trusts Act 2019 which came into force on 30 January 2021. The changes have prompted clients and advisers to review their trust arrangements. Where trusts are to be retained, there is often a need to update the trust deed to ensure consistency with the legislation and to account for changes in circumstances. This module will adopt a practical “how to” approach that will assist you in varying trust deeds to effectively meet your clients’ needs and to account for the changes made by the Trusts Act 2019.

This module will cover:

• Common modifications which are being made as a result of the Trusts Act 2019
• How to vary a trust deed, whether by exercise of powers under the deed or by use of the statutory powers in the Trusts Act 2019, and recent case examples
• Issues that may arise when varying a trust.

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The Retirement Village Sector and the Future - 2 CPD hours

• Publication date: April 2023
• Authors: Jenny Baldwin, John Collyns, Peter Orpin

The framework and business models under which retirement villages operate have been under the spotlight recently and there could be changes in the near future. It is vital that practitioners understand the legal framework behind retirement villages, the scope of potential legislative review and their business models. Also, key topical issues such as sharing of capital gains, complaints and disputes, terminations and damage or destruction events impacting on villages. This module will help ensure you are able to provide your clients with robust advice that will enable them to be fully informed in their decision-making.

This module will include:

• Understanding the legal framework retirement villages operate within, and discussion of whether change is needed
• The range and types of business models that retirement villages employ, and why they are important to client decisions
• Topical issues including complaints and disputes, terminations, damage and destruction clauses, and insurance.

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Disclosure of Trust Information - 1 CPD hour

• Publication date:  February 2023
• Author: Aimee Mitchell

One of the most significant changes made by the Trusts Act 2019 relates to the disclosure of trust information to beneficiaries, particularly the imposition of obligations on trustees to take proactive steps when it comes to disclosure of certain trust information. This module will take a practical approach, covering the obligations imposed by the Act and what steps trustees should be taking to ensure that those obligations are fulfilled, along with case studies to illustrate the new rules in action.

Section 21 Agreements - not as easy as it looks - 2 CPD hours

• Publication date: February 2023
• Authors: Jennie Hawker, Simon Jefferson KC

Section 21 agreements, whether to contract out or to settle disputes under the Act, continue to be commonplace. Often these Agreements require a substantial degree of input, knowledge and “crystal ball gazing” on the part of practitioners who want to ensure that the agreements withstand the test of time. This module is intended not only to update lawyers on the relevant case law but to also consider and address the issues we all encounter when drafting living agreements (s 21) and settlement agreements (s 21A).

• Drafting guidance
• The requirements and obligations of the certifying lawyer
• The role of disclosure as part of the negotiating exercise, and
• A discussion of relevant cases and issues that can arise.

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Gift or Loan? 2021 - 1 CPD hour

• Publication date: September 2021
• Authors: Amanda Donovan, Ben Jefferson

It is becoming ever increasingly difficult to save for a deposit on a house, and luckily for some, generous parents are able to help out so that their children can get their first step on the property ladder. These arrangements begin with the best of intentions, however, things can go wrong down the track when the parties have a different understanding of what was agreed to with a key dispute being whether the money was a gift or a loan. This module will help enable you to work effectively with your clients in ensuring clarity about what is being agreed to and in providing robust advice if issues do emerge.

This module will include:

• A breakdown of the best way forward between a loan, a gift, or an investment
• A discussion on the principles
• An explanation of the possible implications
• A discussion on what evidence and documents are more relevant
• An explanation on how to prepare for court
• Ways to avoid court
• An overview of what recent cases said.

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Privacy Landscape - key developments - 1.5 CPD hours

• Publication date: December 2021
• Authors: Georgia Bates, Suzy McMillan

Lawyers in virtually all practice areas must have some understanding of data security and privacy to ensure that they can effectively assist their clients in managing this new and rapidly evolving regulatory environment. This module will provide a refresh on the key requirements under the Privacy Act 2020, a discussion on some of the practical implications of New Zealand’s updated privacy laws including COVID-19 privacy implications, recent regulatory enforcement action, and a brief update on the international privacy landscape.

Topics covered will include:

• A refresh on the key requirements under the Privacy Act 2020
• An understanding of the practical implications of implementing and complying with our new privacy laws
• The impact of COVID-19 from a privacy perspective
• An overview of global trends and international reforms
• Recent case law and enforcement actions.

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