Turner Hopkins Law

30/07/2026

AI can provide an answer in seconds. The harder question is whether it is the right answer.

Artificial intelligence is changing how people access information, including information about legal issues. It can be useful for generating ideas, explaining general concepts and identifying questions to ask.

But legal advice depends on context, judgement and an accurate understanding of the facts. That remains particularly important when the issue involves your business, property, family, finances or immigration status.

In our July newsletter, we consider the role of AI in the legal landscape, alongside several areas where tailored professional advice can make a real difference:

• why early action matters when recovering debt
• the new Skilled Migrant Category residence pathways
• current property law considerations
• practical developments in family law

AI may help you understand the question. It should not be relied upon to make the legal decision.

Read our July newsletter here:
https://www.turnerhopkins.co.nz/news/july-2026-newsletter

Take another look at the image above. It looks convincing enough right? The lighting, detail and overall scene all appear perfectly plausible and very much “New Zealand”. But is it a genuine photograph, or was it created by artificial intelligence (AI)? If you are not entirely sure, that is rath...

30/07/2026

New Zealand introduced its first points-based skilled residence system in 1991, although since the early 70's we were already considering how occupations stacked up against our immigration needs.

Since the first skilled category rolled out, we have changed the points, adjusted the thresholds, introduced salary tests, closed and reopened the category, simplified it to six points-and are now adding two further Skilled Migrant Category pathways.

The objective has remained broadly the same: identify people with the skills New Zealand needs, who can use those skills here and contribute over the long term.

But after more than three decades of points-based systems and reform, are we any closer to agreeing on what a “skilled migrant” actually is?

In this article, the Turner Hopkins Immigration Specialists team looks at the evolution of the Skilled Migrant Category, why each major change was introduced, and whether the latest reforms have brought us closer to the destination-or simply taken us down another road, kicking and screaming.

Read the article here:

https://www.turnerhopkinsimmigration.co.nz/news/are-we-there-yet-smc

I was almost going to change the title of this article, because I had published one previously (back in 2025) with the same name. However it felt right to keep it, and the content is vastly different. The last one was about decision timeframes, but this one is a little more of a walk down memory lan

29/07/2026

A law firm can have more than 100 years of history without feeling like it belongs in the past.

At Turner Hopkins, that history has given us something valuable: perspective.

Over the years, we have helped individuals, families and businesses navigate a wide range of legal issues - from commercial matters and property to family law, litigation and immigration.

But experience is only part of it.

Good legal advice should be clear, practical and delivered by people you can actually talk to. No unnecessary jargon. No intimidating formality. Just genuine, approachable lawyers who take the time to understand what matters to you.

More than a century of experience. Still very much human.

19/07/2026

There are now several residence pathways that skilled migrants may need to consider - and the best option will depend on the person’s role, pay rate, qualifications, registration, and work history.

We have put together a simple summary, covering the three Skilled Migrant Category pathways, plus the two Green List residence options:

Points-Based Pathway
Skilled Work Experience Pathway
Trades and Technician Pathway
Green List Straight to Residence
Green List Work to Residence

This is only a high-level overview and your particular circumstances will need to be mapped against the various options, especially around ANZSCO, wage thresholds, work experience windows, and whether an occupation appears on a relevant list.

Contact the team at Turner Hopkins Immigration Specialists (THiS) today for a review and assessment of the right pathway for you.

19/07/2026

Good legal advice is not simply about getting the documentation right. It is about identifying issues early, understanding all the various implications and all the parts connected to that process. Whether it be a property, will, trust or any other legal matter - knowing how to juggle all the components can be tricky.

In this short video series, Kate Chivers, Principal at Turner Hopkins Law Hopkins, discusses her approach to legal matters and the value of clear, practical and experienced legal advice.

Kate advises across commercial property, residential developments, subdivisions, unit titles and complex property transactions, whilst working alongside colleagues who can assist with related matters, such as wills, trusts and estates. Kate's focus is on finding workable solutions while ensuring each project remains commercially sound and legally robust.

No matter what life stage you are navigating, involving the right legal adviser early can make a considerable difference.

Learn more about our services online (www.turnerhopkins.co.nz) or email Kate directly: [email protected]

16/07/2026

I read a lot of commentary on immigration, particularly at this stage of the election cycle, when it becomes a pretty hot topic. I am always fascinated by how those who know the least about how it works, tend to have the strongest opinions.

We want skilled workers, investors and international students when the economy needs them - but when housing, infrastructure or public services come under pressure, migrants quickly become a convenient target.

Immigration must be properly planned and managed, but it also deserves a more honest and balanced debate - one that recognises both the pressures migration can create and the enormous contribution migrants make to New Zealand.

The latest article from the Turner Hopkins Immigration Specialists team asks whether our approach to immigration has become a case of “all care, no responsibility”.

Full article here: https://www.turnerhopkinsimmigration.co.nz/news/immigration-all-care-no-responsibility

15/07/2026

Considering an application under the Skilled Migrant Category?

Timing is everything and whilst the new settings, open doors for a wider group of applicants, some people might find that applying before the changes works to their advantage.

For advice on whether you qualify, the best time to apply and the best settings to use, contact the team at Turner Hopkins Immigration Specialists today - website: www.turnerhopkinsimmigration.co.nz or email us directly: [email protected]

13/07/2026

Good legal advice is not simply about getting the documentation right. It is about identifying issues early, understanding all the various implications and all the parts connected to that process. Whether it be a property, will, trust or any other legal matter - knowing how to juggle all the components can be tricky.

In this short video series, Kate Chivers, Principal at Turner Hopkins Law Hopkins, discusses her approach to legal matters and the value of clear, practical and experienced legal advice.

Kate advises across commercial property, residential developments, subdivisions, unit titles and complex property transactions, whilst working alongside colleagues who can assist with related matters, such as wills, trusts and estates. Kate's focus is on finding workable solutions while ensuring each project remains commercially sound and legally robust.

No matter what life stage you are navigating, involving the right legal adviser early can make a considerable difference.

Learn more about our services online (www.turnerhopkins.co.nz) or email Kate directly: [email protected]

13/07/2026

We’re proud to be supporting the 2026 North Shore Business Excellence Awards as a category partner.

The awards are an important opportunity to recognise the businesses, leaders and teams that contribute so much to the North Shore economy and wider community.

At Turner Hopkins Law, we work closely with businesses at every stage of their journey - from establishment and growth through to employment, property, commercial and immigration matters. Supporting these awards is a natural extension of that work and reflects our commitment to the local business community.

We look forward to celebrating the finalists and winners in November, and to recognising the people behind some of the North Shore’s most successful and innovative businesses.

For more information, contact Kate Chivers ([email protected])