Why Legal Aid Reform Can’t Wait After 13 years running a legal-aid-only law firm, CEO Jarrod Coburn argues that legal aid is essential justice infrastructure, not charity. While the 2012 reforms were largely effective, governments have failed to maintain or modernise the system. Fixed fees have not kept pace with inflation, forcing providers to subsidise the state and driving burnout. The greatest risk is losing junior lawyers due to poor retention. Coburn calls for structural reform, including indexed fees and trust-based, firm-level contracting, to create a sustainable, efficient legal aid system. Read more
Do I Have to Give My Wife Half of Everything? When a marriage or de facto relationship ends in New Zealand, dividing property can be both emotional and complex. A common question is: “Do I have to give my wife half of everything?” The answer isn’t always yes — it depends on factors like the length of your relationship and the assets involved. This article outlines what you need to know about property division and your rights under NZ law. Read more
