Category: News

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 […]

Nana Helen’s Christmas Mince Pies 🥧

Christmas is about spending time with family and friends, along with eating great food! My Nana was an amazing baker, and her Christmas mince pies are the best! I have been given the go ahead to share her recipe, so please enjoy!!  Mince Filling 1 cup currants   1 cup sultanas   1 cup raisins […]

OCR reduced again. What does this mean for you?

As summer arrives and Pōhutukawa trees burst into bloom across Auckland, the Reserve Bank has also delivered a bright note to end the year — reducing the Official Cash Rate by 0.25%, now sitting at 2.25%. This adjustment offers greater financial flexibility and opens new opportunities as we move into 2026. At SCO we can […]

SCO joins The Takapuna Business Association

SCO has just become a member of I Love Takapuna (The Takapuna Business Association). At SCO, law is about people – not just paperwork. We combine deep expertise with a practical, people-first approach across Family Law, Property, Commercial, Civil Litigation, Trusts, Asset Protection and Estate Planning, Deceased Estates and Elder Law. From our lawyers to support […]

Welcome to SCO Maria!

Maria Vergara-Oesterle joined us last week as a Senior Solicitor in our Trusts, Asset Protection and Estate Planning team. Maria grew up in the Philippines and later moved to New Zealand where she requalified and was admitted as a lawyer in 2021. She brings with her a diverse background and experience that enrich her practice. She […]

Big win for grieving families in NZ!!

Starting on the 24th of September 2025, the probate threshold will rise from $15,000 to $40,000, meaning fewer estates will need costly High Court approval. The change means small, straightforward estates can be quickly distributed without incurring court or legal costs. This change will save time, money, and stress, allowing quicker access to loved ones’ […]

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