Improving the law for dividing property when relationships end - Have your say
Links have been added for: This page, review page, public consultation page, Christchurch event page
When should the law treat two people as a couple? What property should they share if they break up and what property should only belong to one of them?
New Zealand has changed a lot in the last forty years, including how relationships and families are formed, how they function and what happens when relationships end.
The Law Commission is reviewing the 40-year-old Property (Relationships) Act 1976, which sets the rules for how to divide a couple’s property at the end of a relationship, and they want to hear your views.
The Law Commission has developed a paper, Dividing Relationship Property: Time for Change? - Te mātaatoha rawa tokorau – Kua eke te wā? This paper asks New Zealanders how the law could be better. You can view the Issues Paper and summary document, and access online consultation platform, from 16 October on this website.
A series of public meetings is being held around the country. Members of the Law Commission will be available to answer your questions and hear your feedback on the Issues Paper.
Some of the questions the Commission is asking are:
Does the law apply to the right relationships?
Is the right property being shared?
What should happen when trusts are used to hold property?
What should happen if one person is financially worse-off after their relationship ends?
Is tikanga Māori recognised?
How should the law meet the interests of children?
How can the law be inexpensive, simple and speedy while still being just?
Should the same law that applies when a couple separates also apply when one partner dies?
Riddle Me This, Neighbours! Bet You Can’t Guess It!
Sometimes narrow, sometimes wide, wind or rain, I stay outside.
Even if there’s heat or snow, from house to house I will still go.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
New lottery, new home
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in Clarks Beach, Auckland.
This coastal town offers the perfect escape, just a short drive from the city.
Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms and generous open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.