The Trusts Act 2019 came into force on 30 January 2021 and has had a big impact on how most trusts are administered in New Zealand.

We provide specialist advice on trust, asset planning and protection and related tax matters, in the context of the Trusts Act.

Our expertise includes trust establishment, administration, review, restructure, and distribution, advice on complying with the Trusts Act and domestic disclosure matters.

Our trusts lawyers work closely with our tax experts to ensure that our clients’ New Zealand trust structures are tax-efficient.

When needed, we also advise on trust and estate litigation.

Understanding the Trusts Act 2019

To assist clients with understanding the key features of the Act for trustees and settlors, as well as trustee disclosure obligations under the Act, we have created two easy-to-use guides.

Key actions for trustees and settlors for compliance with the Trusts Act 2019

Trustee disclosure obligations under the Act

Charitable trusts

We have considerable expertise in the not-for-profit-sector and advise our clients on the establishment and administration of charitable trusts, charitable status, compliance with the Charities Act, and tax concession issues.

We have created an easy-to-use guide below that covers the application of key features of the Trusts Act 2019 to charitable and other purpose trusts.

Trusts Act 2019: charitable trusts and other permitted purpose trusts