Insights

Thirty Years, Three Careers, One Unbreakable Bond

Three desks in our Property & Development team sit just metres apart – a small distance that reflects three decades of friendship, adventures, triumphs and heartache.

Think Your Data Is Safe? Think Again.

When a fried chicken chain has tighter cybersecurity than our digital health providers, it’s time to admit something’s wrong. With the Manage My Health privacy breach dominating headlines through the start of 2026, the lack of a penalty regime under the Privacy Act 2020 has been a hot topic of conversation for many. In New...

AI will make my legal bill cheaper, right?

There is a lot of talk about AI and the efficiencies it can deliver, so it’s easy to think there’s no downside to using AI for legal disputes or when communicating with your lawyer. While AI is a powerful tool with plenty to offer, we are increasingly seeing situations where its use actually increases clients’...

Launch Sequence

Step-by-step legal programme for startups

All together for a new CLM look

Cooney Lees Morgan has been delivering legal excellence for over a century, with roots reaching back to 1918.

CLM’s Modern Legacy

Celebrating Over a Century of Legal Excellence

Is your family trust romance proof?

When love and romance are involved, it’s not always easy to discuss what the future may hold if things don’t go to plan. Our family law team can provide expert advice that carefully treads the fine line between asset protection and family relationships.

Honouring family relationships and the law

Our seven specialists in the area of family law have over 90 years of combined experience.

AI in Court Proceedings: Helpful Tool or Hidden Risk?

There are many ways that AI can help in preparing materials for a Court proceeding, but there have been a number of cases where using AI has not worked out well and can have serious consequences. AI hallucinations being included in submissions has caused serious problems for litigants. The clearest warning statement has come from...

If there’s no Will, is there a way?

How does an Estate get dealt with if there’s no Will? If someone dies without a Will, also called ‘intestate’, their Estate gets divided under the Administration Act 1969. They don’t have any control over who handles their affairs or how their property gets divided. Since no-one has been named by the deceased as their...

CLM Announces New CFO and COO Appointments

Two new senior leadership roles are being established at Cooney Lees Morgan, with Kriselle Uerata appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Lee-Anne Roycroft becoming Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a significant step in our firm’s continued growth.

Who is obligated to maintain the drain?

Legal disputes about stormwater drains regularly arise between neighbouring property owners and with local authorities. Often there is uncertainty about whether a drain is public or private and who has obligations to maintain the drain. The recent High Court decision of Atkinson v Waipā District Council [2025] NZHC 4025 provides helpful guidance on duties and...

Sustainability and Climate Change Update – April 2026

Sustainability and Climate Change Update – April 2026 There continues to be a lot happening in the climate change and sustainability space. This update is set against a backdrop of rising petrol and diesel prices, driven by the USA-Iran conflict, reigniting debate about New Zealand’s electrification programme. At the same time, communities are beginning the...

Resource Management Experts Join CLM’s Partnership

Cooney Lees Morgan is strengthening its partnership with the appointment of Kate Stubbing and Rachael Zame, marking a significant step for the firm at a time of rapid change.

Aimee Cox Steps into Senior Solicitor Role

Cooney Lees Morgan has promoted Aimee Cox to Senior Solicitor, recognising her strong early-career achievements and the high quality of work she contributes to our litigation team.

Cooney Lees Morgan Backs Tauranga Talent Push

Great legal careers shouldn’t require sacrificing the life you want to live. That’s why we are proud to support the Work Life Tauranga initiative led by Priority One.

We have some of New Zealand’s smartest lawyers on our team. Explore their take on topical legal issues and get practical, real-world advice designed to help you make informed decisions.

Good News for Business with the Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal

Building a More Sustainable Kiwifruit Workforce

Time For A Fresh Look at Your Charity’s Governance Foundations

The Growth Advantage: Why Stronger Plant Variety Rights Matter

The New Privacy Rule You Can’t Ignore

The Governance Challenge for Family Businesses

Small Share Deals Can Carry Big Consequences

Buying or Selling a Business? Understanding Purchase Price Adjustments

Can Your Neighbour Really Say No?

Jasmine Daroch Wins Prestigious Australasian Legal Award