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The way many New Zealanders manage their assets is set to change dramatically. Reforms to the laws governing trusts in New Zealand, due to come into force on 30 January 2021, are expected to trigger a massive reduction in the number of trusts. The Ministry of Justice estimates there are currently between 300,000 and 500,000 … Continue reading
Disclosure is a live matter in the context of discretionary trusts during the transition from the current position (at the discretion of the trustee with no presumption for or against) to what the position will be when the Trusts Act 2019 applies from 30 January 2021. Addleman v Lambie Trustee Limited (see Disclosure request declined … Continue reading
McCallum v McCallum relates to applications for discovery of information including trustee legal fees, trustee resolutions and legal advice received by trustees. The case considers important procedural aspects of when discovery can be sought, the rules that apply to originating applications and the extent of discretion available to the High Court regarding such matters. Of … Continue reading
Pisidia Holdings Limited v Darby relates to an application to lapse notices of claim lodged against the title of seven properties following the end of the relationship between John Darby and Kristen Darby. The land in question was owned as to a 2/5th share by Pisidia Holdings Limited (Pisidia), the shares in which are held … Continue reading
Triezenberg v Mason (As to power and appointment and costs) follows the earlier trustee removal decision. See Buyer’s remorse. By way of background the High Court removed Mr Mason and his incapacitated wife as trustees of two family trusts. A rift had occurred between the competent trustees that had resulted in significant dysfunction. No orders … Continue reading
On first glance Almond v Read, appears to have it all. Arguments were made relating to the parties common intention, a constructive trust and breaches of fiduciary duty in the context of family owned land that was acquired with best of intentions. However, over time, different parties adopted different views of the basis upon which a … Continue reading
Trusts can seem like a great idea. And then one day a settlor can be confronted with the reality of the loss of control and cast around for someone to blame. In addressing the realities of trust ownership, the exercise of powers of removal and appointment can offer a solution to issues with the dynamics between … Continue reading
Is a beneficiary more entitled to trust information pursuant to an application for discovery, rather than pursuant to a an application for disclosure? As a basic principle, courts do not permit discovery as a “fishing expedition.” However, as noted in Gavin v Powell at [41] “… the trustees’ obligations as to disclosure and a beneficiary’s right … Continue reading
The case of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints Trust Board v CIR considers whether donations made in connection with a missionary application are charitable gifts for the purposes of s LD1 of the Income Tax Act 2007. The crux of the matter for consideration is whether gifts made by church members … Continue reading
Bean v Bean is a an application to strike out a Family Protection Act 1955 (FPA) claim on the basis that it has no prospect of success. The bar is set high for such a claim. While any such claim will depend on its own facts, Bean v Bean is an interesting study of the procedural and tactical aspects … Continue reading
Matters of Trust 