Trusts & Trustee Services

Trust law in New Zealand is constantly evolving. Settlors and trustees need specialist advisors who understand the impact of legislative changes and provide robust advice on trust structures and administration. 

We are experienced trust lawyers and advise on all aspects of creating, using and varying trusts. We have experience with different types of trusts including discretionary family trusts, business and trading trusts, fixed interest trusts, sub-trusts and will trusts. We act for settlors, trustees, protectors, beneficiaries, trust professionals and charities. 

We set up bespoke trust structures to suit each client's circumstances and needs. Once a trust has been settled, we advise trustees on their duties and help them add and remove beneficiaries, retire, appoint new trustees, resettle trust assets and make loans or distributions. We also advise trustees on anti-money laundering obligations and regulatory reporting.

We are frequently engaged to review trusts and advise whether they are still fit for purpose. We assist with varying trust deeds or terminating trusts that are no longer required. If trust documents are ineffective due to drafting or procedural errors, we work with trustees to rectify the position and give effect to the trustees’ decisions.

We have international experience and advise on multi-jurisdictional aspects to trust structures, as well as New Zealand foreign trusts.

We also act as independent trustee of trusts. We have professional expertise and skills to ensure the trust is managed and administered in accordance with the terms of the trust deed and the law and that trustee duties are being met. We act impartially and provide a robust and objective perspective to decision-making. We form good relationships with our co-trustees to ensure a smooth decision-making process and handle all aspects of good trust governance and management.