Welcome Ananda Wessels to the Schnauer & Co Trusts team
Ananda Wessels has built a career specialising in trusts, estates and asset planning with experience spanning full estate administration as well as advising on Enduring Powers of Attorney, retirement village occupation agreements plus complex trust and estate structures. Before joining Schnauer & Co Limited, Ananda worked as a Specialist Trustee at Public Trust where she […]
Buying a Home? Why a LIM Report Could Save You From Costly Surprises
Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Between arranging finance, reviewing contracts, and meeting deadlines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One document that can provide valuable peace of mind before you commit is a LIM report. A Land Information Memorandum (LIM) is an official report prepared by your local […]
Our SCO Family Team has grown! Welcome to Esther Cohen-Goh and Lauren Phillips
Esther Cohen-Goh began her legal career in the community law sector where she developed a strong interest in family law and an appreciation for the importance of empathetic, client‑centered care. She later worked as a Police Prosecutor where she strengthened her court advocacy skills and gained exposure to a wide range of criminal law matters, […]
Family Trust vs Investment Trust in New Zealand: Same Tool, Different Jobs
Trusts are a bit like Swiss Army knives of the financial world: incredibly useful, but only if you are using the right blade for the job. In New Zealand, two of the most commonly discussed types of trusts are family trusts and investment trusts. They look similar on paper, but they are built for very […]
Simplifying Governance for Kiwi Family Trusts
Family trusts have long been a cornerstone of wealth protection and intergenerational planning in New Zealand, with an estimated 300,000–500,000 trusts operating across the country. But in recent years, trustees and advisers have faced growing administrative pressure as compliance obligations, particularly around anti‑money laundering (AML) rules and Inland Revenue disclosures, have expanded. Recently that landscape […]
Enduring Powers of Attorney: Growing Concerns About Misuse
Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) play a vital role in later‑life planning, but increasing evidence shows they can also be misused. Submissions to the Law Commission and media reporting have highlighted recurring problems, particularly financial abuse by attorneys, the isolation of older donors from family and support networks, and the high cost and complexity of […]
Big Changes for Small Cabins
Imagine this: your friend is sitting on the couch one evening when his wife gently drops a bombshell –“Honey, I think Mum and Dad should move in with us. They’re getting older, and it would be good to have them close by to keep an eye on them.” Your friend loves his in‑laws… in small […]
When Tenants Struggle: Smart Strategies for Commercial Landlords in Tough Times
You have probably noticed the wave of media coverage surrounding retail closures – EB Games, for example, confirmed it will shut all 38 of its New Zealand stores by 31 January 2026, citing the business as no longer viable. These headlines illustrate the very real pressures faced by many businesses, especially across the retail and hospitality […]
DIY Will vs Lawyer: What’s the Best Way to Get a Will in NZ?
Buying a home, starting a family, or receiving a terminal diagnosis usually raises the same practical question: how will your estate be handled if something happens to you? When considering how to put a Will in place in New Zealand, many people discover two options: either preparing a DIY Will using an online template […]
The Rise of Multi-Generational Living in NZ
Multi‑generational living is experiencing a quiet renaissance in New Zealand – not because everyone suddenly craves a bustling household, but because it often makes excellent practical and financial sense due to rising house prices and soaring childcare demands. The desire for closer support networks has also inspired homeowners and developers alike to rethink what the […]
The Property Market Explained: Trends, Tips and Legal Insights
Auckland remains the heartbeat of New Zealand’s housing market. If you already own a home or run a small business here and you’re thinking ahead for your children, now is a good time to take stock. This article explores today’s market trends, the impact of election-year uncertainty on property decisions, and the key legal insights every […]
Occupation Right Agreement Explained: What to Know Before Entering a Retirement Village
Understanding a Retirement Village Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) can feel daunting at first glance. This document shapes how you live in the village, the fees involved, and what happens if your circumstances change. If you’re preparing for a move (or helping a parent or partner do the same), you’re likely looking for clear, practical answers […]
Why Asset Planning Matters
When we talk about “asset planning,” many assume it’s only for the wealthy, something to consider later in life, or a topic to be avoided because it’s not easy to confront mortality. But planning ahead is important, regardless of income, age, or relationship status. Asset planning is about protecting your home, your savings, and the […]
Give the Gift of Peace of Mind This Summer
As the year winds down and the long summer days roll in, many of us are busy preparing for Christmas gatherings, holidays, and time with family. It’s a season of joy, but also a perfect moment to pause and reflect on the things that truly matter—like ensuring our loved ones are protected and our wishes […]
Understanding contracting out agreements (“prenups”)
If you think ‘keeping it separate, keeps it safe’, or ‘what’s mine is mine and yours is yours’ is enough then you are mistaken. Whether you are married, in a civil union or a de facto relationship the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (“the Act”) makes the rules and the starting point is equal division. The […]
Reaching (early) Agreement on Christmas Contact Arrangements: Guidance for Separated Parents
Arranging Christmas contact can be a challenging issue for separated parents, as it involves balancing the wishes and needs of children, parents, and extended families. However, New Zealand Family Court decisions illustrate a range of practical options and principles that can help separated parents reach consensus and reduce conflict. Prioritising Children’s Welfare and Relationships The […]