Mackenzie Elvin

We can help you ensure the next generation in your family benefits from succession planning, where your forethought will help avoid conflict and ensure a smooth transition for everyone concerned.

Find out more about whether a trust is right for you.

Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions about New Zealand Law

Trusts Asset Management

Trusts are the basic management structure when it comes to wealth accumulation. They're widely used but often not that well understood, nor particularly well managed.

In order to avoid problems, a trust needs to be tailored to your situation. Initial set up is only part of the process. After that you need professional and independent review, management and investment strategies in order for you to get the most benefit and ensure that the trust is not vulnerable to being seen as a sham trust.

Read this article from the Sunday Star Times suggesting that many trusts could turn out to be 'expensive shams'

If you need a trust or if your current one is accumulating dust, get in touch with us so we can ensure your assets are well protected now, and for the future.

You may be interested in these articles:

Protecting Your Wealth

Family Trusts at Risk of Being Challenged (stuff.co.nz)

Diana Clement: Trust Busters - They're Out There (nzherald.co.nz)

Gifting

The Government has announced it will be abolishing gift duty as of 1st October 2011. Here is an excerpt from the press release which covers some of the possible ramifications of this decision. Mr Dunne was quoted as saying:

 "There is a broad range of other existing legislation that will provide adequate protection to mitigate the identified risks following the abolition of gift duty. Government agencies will monitor the impact of the changes and a post-implementation review will ensure there are no unintended effects."

Mr Dunne was referring here to concerns about the rights of creditors or using gifting to gain social assistance, among others.

For further information and commentary see:

Gift duty bonus comes at a high price (stuff.co.nz)

Search for "Gift Duty" (stuff.co.nz)