Gifford Devine

03/08/2026

Buying or selling property? The standard Agreement for Sale and Purchase has recently changed, and it’s important to understand what those updates could mean for you.

Read our latest article to learn more before you sign.

Need advice specific to your property? Get in touch with our team for support.

The revised Law Association Agreement for Sale and Purchase features new warranties for building work and unaltered forms, updated finance and OIO conditions, and altered compensation claims.

27/07/2026

Graduate Opportunities – Applications Now Open

Start your legal career with one of Hawke's Bay's leading law firms.

Gifford Devine is now accepting applications for Graduate Solicitor positions commencing late February 2027.

With offices in Hastings, Havelock North, Napier and Waipawa, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced lawyers across a broad range of practice areas while building the foundations of a successful legal career.

We're looking for graduates who:

- Have completed (or are completing) their LLB.
- Have strong academic results and excellent communication skills.
- Are motivated, curious and enjoy working as part of a team.
- Have a connection to Hawke's Bay or are keen to build their career in the region.

As part of your graduate programme, we'll support you through your Professional Legal Studies (PROFS) if you haven't already completed them.

To apply, please send your:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Academic transcript
to [email protected]

Applications close Monday, 24 August 2026.

If you're looking for a firm that offers genuine mentoring, early responsibility and the opportunity to build a long-term career in Hawke's Bay, we'd love to hear from you.

23/07/2026

Planning a subdivision? The legal structure you choose can have a big impact on how your development works.

Our latest article looks at three types of agreements commonly used in subdivisions, and explores some of the pros and cons of each approach.

Read the full article on our website.

Modern developers use residents' societies, unit titles, or land covenants to manage new subdivisions. We take a closer look at the benefits and challenges of each type of agreement.

08/07/2026

Are you keeping up with the legal and regulatory changes affecting businesses?
From employment and commercial law updates to changes that may affect business operations, staying informed matters.
Our latest Business Briefs article highlights key legal developments and practical considerations for New Zealand businesses — helping you stay ahead of changes that could impact your organisation.

Updates on NZ unconscionable conduct enforcement, foreign investment reform, new privacy rules, and key employment law changes.

25/06/2026

Health & Safety law changes: what could they mean for your business?
Proposed amendments to the Health and Safety at Work Act may change how some businesses understand and manage workplace obligations.

If you’re an employer, business owner or contractor, now is a good time to understand what’s being proposed - and what it could mean in practice.
Our latest article breaks down the key proposed changes.
Read more: https://gifforddevine.co.nz/health-and-safety-at-work-amendment-bill/

11/06/2026

Every Budget announcement brings changes — but understanding how they may affect your finances, property decisions, business planning or legal obligations can be another matter.

From tax and housing changes to infrastructure and investment priorities, Budget 2026 introduces a number of developments that may have practical implications for New Zealanders.

Our latest article breaks down the key updates and explores what they could mean from a legal and practical perspective.

Read more here: https://gifforddevine.co.nz/budget-2026/

Taking a look at Budget 2026, including the focus on a return to surplus by 2028-29, and major spending on health, education, infrastructure, and fuel cost relief.

03/06/2026

We were proud to support Pink Ribbon this year across our Hawke's Bay offices!

A wonderful couple of events, a staff breakfast shared across our offices and a networking evening with some of our friends of the firm.

We were also thrilled to have Vantage Black Sticks Captain Olivia Shannon join us online from Perth to share her impressive journey in professional sport, an inspiring addition to the evening.

Together we raised $2,300 for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, a fantastic result and a reflection of the generosity of our team and the wider community around us.

A huge thank you to Kezia Taylor and the wider team for pulling these events together, and to everyone who came along, contributed, and helped make both events such a success.

We are already looking forward to next year!

27/05/2026

Huge news for the rural sector. The government has announced reforms to KiwiSaver that will make it easier for farmers and rural workers—especially sharemilkers and farm managers—to buy their first farm.
Upcoming changes will allow withdrawals for purchases involving complex structures like companies or trusts, acknowledging the unique way New Zealand farms are owned. If you have been in KiwiSaver for at least three years and are looking to step into ownership, this could be your path forward.

https://gifforddevine.co.nz/kiwisaver-changes-open-the-door-to-first-farm-ownership/

The government has announced important changes to KiwiSaver that will make it easier for farmers and rural workers to use their KiwiSaver to buy their first farm. These reforms acknowledge the unique way in which farms are owned and operated in New Zealand.

21/05/2026

We’re proud to be hosting two Pink Ribbon events this year in support of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, a cause that is very close to our hearts at Gifford Devine.

As part of this year’s fundraising, we’re excited to have Black Sticks Captain Olivia Shannon joining us as a guest speaker at our Business & Bubbles event.

We would love your support as we help raise funds for the incredible work Breast Cancer Foundation NZ does across education, research, and support services.

If you would like to support our fundraising efforts, you can donate here: https://fundraise.bcf.org.nz/fundraisers/gifforddevine/pinkribbonbreakfast

12/05/2026

WorkSafe New Zealand's new four-year 'Statement of Intent' emphasizes the agricultural sector, now a high-priority risk area alongside construction and forestry. There will be increased engagement, including 1,000 recent farm visits to assess practices. WorkSafe is also developing Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) for vehicle operations, uneven terrain navigation, and child safety.

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WorkSafe New Zealand has promised greater attention to safety in the agricultural sector when it announced the new four-year ‘Statement of Intent’ on 4 December 2025.