Tēnā koutou katoa, Haeri mai 2021
Greetings to one and all, Welcome 2021
What a challenging year 2020 was, and what a relief to be in 2021. From the stunned news that “we are going into lockdown” to “the team of five million”, how privileged are we to be in Aotearoa New Zealand. We have all taken away some negatives and some positives from 2020.
Working from home had its challenges but one of the high points that stayed with me was our first online KW Legal staff meeting. There were comments “No, it is still a blank screen”, “I can hear you but I can’t see you”, “Oh, there you are”, “Woof, woof, Lily shhhhhhhh” and “Muuuuuum, not now I’m busy”. It was great relief to see everyone’s smiling faces and to exchange some laughs, share stories, and maybe a bit of a chat about the work.
2020 has taught me that you cannot take anything for granted, to always have a Plan B, and to be extremely grateful for what we have. From the difficulty of separation from loved ones because of the very essential border controls, to being able to explore more of our wonderful country. I was very proud to witness my daughter graduate from High School and for her to attend her school formal (it had been postponed three times). We had some wonderful family time over New Year at Franz Josef (we could even take the dogs), and towards the end of the year I took the opportunity to jump off the Auckland Sky Tower! The beauty of New Zealand never ceases to amaze me and I am very proud to be a Kiwi.
Similarly, from a legal perspective some things have changed. The ability to sign documents online has been extended, Covid 19 clauses now appear in Agreements for Sale and Purchase in case we go into lockdown again. Our law adapts and changes with the circumstances.
There are some legal constants that remain and these include:
- Wills – make sure yours is up to date; https://kwlegal.nz/2018/01/3329/
- Your Digital Footprint – how to protect yours; https://kwlegal.nz/2018/03/your-digital-footprint/
- Enduring Powers of Attorney – essential for many of our precious older clients; https://kwlegal.nz/2018/01/enduring-powers-of-attorney/
- Family Trust – the new Act comes into force on 31 January 2021; https://kwlegal.nz/2020/12/the-new-trusts-act/
- Property Sales/Purchases – we can certainly help you with this. https://kwlegal.nz/2019/03/first-home-buyers-kiwisaver-katherines-most-popular-blog/
Another constant that we take into 2021 is the expertise and excellent service we provide at KW Legal. My fantastic team includes Kim Cotton, Vivienne Holmes, Shona Morrison and Evie Wilmott. We are here to assist.
With new hope, the valuable lessons we have learnt in 2020 we take with us into 2021.
Ngā mihi, meitaki maata
Thank you, best wishes
Note: Katherine’s Blog is not a substitute for legal advice, please contact your lawyer.