Victoria Thompson

Qualifications

LLB, University of Waikato 2025
New Zealand Diploma in Legal Executive Studies 2021
BA University of Auckland 2019

Contact

DDI: +64 7 349 4240
M: +64 27 215 9962
E: victoria.thompson@hobec.co.nz

Victoria is a Law Clerk in our property and commercial law team, based in Rotorua.

Victoria first joined Holland Beckett in 2019 as receptionist in the Rotorua office before moving into the property and commercial team as a legal secretary. She then studied towards her Legal Executive Diploma, completing this in 2021, and then her LLB, which she completed in 2025.

Having worked in such a variety of roles at Holland Beckett, Victoria has a very thorough understanding of all aspects of the legal process and a wide ranging skill set. She works alongside Natasha van der Wal assisting with residential conveyancing, commercial transactions, trust matters and estate planning.

Victoria Thompson's Expertise

Property Law

Commercial Law

Victoria Thompson's News & Resources

Hot Tips for Purchasing Property in Rotorua

Rotorua is a wonderous place, known for its cultural significance to Māori, its geothermal activity, many lakes and tourism (to name but a few). From those seeking adventure, mountain biking in the redwoods, or taking some time to bask in one of the many day spas, Rotorua has something to offer everyone. For those seeking to permanently secure a foothold in Rotorua, we’ve collated a selection of relevant factors for the prospective purchaser to consider when looking at Rotorua residential property: Geothermal Activity Geothermal / volcanic activity is part of the natural landscape and surrounds of Rotorua. Undertaking due diligence in this regard at the outset will help to mitigate unexpected surprises. This includes checking that you will be able to secure insurance (without exception). Note: Insurance is critical if you are obtaining a mortgage. Geothermal Bores While it may seem unusual, some properties in Rotorua are heated through access to a geothermal bore. If the prospective property you are looking at purchasing does have access to a geothermal bore, we suggest you check matters such as: Whether there are any known issues with the supply/users of the bore; The maintenance contribution you would be liable to pay (including the amount and frequency); Who manages the bore. For example some areas have a geothermal bore association who meet on a regular basis; and How to transfer the right to use the bore, if applicable. Water Supply The Rotorua Lakes Council (Council) has two methods of charging for water use: Unmetered properties – these properties are charged a set annual charge included in their general rates. Metered properties – these properties receive separate quarterly invoices, based on the actual volume of water consumed. Council operates 10 water supplies for urban, rural residential and farming supplies. These supplies do not receive any funds from general rates and are funded through water charges. You should check if water use for your property is metered and if it is subject to any additional water charges. Air Flight Path Rotorua has the benefit of a domestic airport in Ōwhata. Properties that are located near the airport (where applicable) may be in areas of high Airport Noise, this will be noted on the Council file. The airspace above the property may also be designated on flightpaths to the airport, this will also be noted along with any restrictions such as the height of trees and property or the use of drones. You should check whether the property you are looking to purchase is subject to Rotorua Regional Airport Noise Control and Mitigation requirements and if there are any restrictions associated with this. Jetty’s If you are looking at buying or selling a home with a Jetty ensure you understand your obligations. This includes the transfer of the resource consent (if applicable), the resource consent terms and the costs. Fireplaces and the ‘Point of Sale’ Rule Check whether the property falls within the Rotorua Clean Air ‘airshed’ which requires non-compliant fires and wood burners to be decommissioned or removed. If the home has a solid fuel heater and it is not on the list of compliant solid fuel heaters it must be decommissioned with a certificate filed with Council by an appropriately qualified person. It is a requirement at the time of sale, (which is a seller’s obligation). Leasehold Titles Sometimes, you will come across some well-priced lake-front (or near to) properties that are comparably lower than some surrounding homes and the \'good price\' may be attributed to those properties being “leasehold” titles. A leasehold, generally speaking, means you have a “leasehold” title that is subject to a lease which includes the leasehold owner paying ground rent. There is someone else who owns the “fee simple” or “freehold” of the underlying land (the ‘Landlord’ or Lessor) who you pay that rent to. You only have the right to exclusive use of the property for the time specified in the lease (subject to any renewals). The lease should be carefully reviewed and understood by you prior to purchasing as your use and occupation is subject to the terms of that registered lease. General If you are considering purchasing (or selling), seek legal advice prior to signing an agreement (this is to ensure that your I’s are dotted, and your T’s are crossed). To protect your interests, we can assist in reviewing your agreement to ensure the appropriate clause(s) are included in the sales and purchase agreement. If you are looking to secure your own piece of paradise in Rotorua, reach out to our property team for legal advice, prior to signing the agreement. As the saying goes, it is much easier to negotiate before you sign!

What happens if you can’t make your mortgage repayments?

Inflation and the rising cost of living is affecting a lot of New Zealanders. Those who entered the property market with record low interest rates may start to feel the pinch as these rates continue to climb. So what should you do if you can’t meet your mortgage repayments? Talk to your lender If you think you may struggle to meet your loan obligations, the first place to go is your lender. The earlier you touch base to discuss your options the better off you will be. Waiting until your loan is in default will compound the problem and make your situation harder to rectify. Your lender may be able to restructure your loan or change you to interest only payments. Interest only payments mean your loan principal won’t go up, but it also won’t go down. If you are still unable to make your repayments, you may be able to apply for financial hardship. Financial hardship application By law you have the right to ask your lender for a change your mortgage if you meet the following criteria: You have suffered a hardship you couldn’t reasonably foresee, such as loss of employment or death of a partner; and As a result of the hardship, you cannot meet your mortgage repayments; and You believe you would be able to make your mortgage repayments if your loan agreement was restructured (see below). You cannot make a hardship application: If you’ve failed to make four or more repayments in a row; or If you’ve been in default for two weeks or more after receiving a notice that you’re in default on your mortgage; or After two months of being in default on your repayments. Again, you need to deal with this early. If you make a hardship application by meeting the above criteria, your lender is required to consider it and follow specific processes. The changes that can be made include: Extending the term of the loan agreement and reducing the repayment amounts; or A payment holiday (your repayments are postponed for a specific period); or A combination of the above. These options will relieve the pressure temporarily, but it is important to note they are likely to increase the total amount owing on a loan. The changes you ask for must be fair and reasonable to both you and your lender. Refinance Refinancing with a new lender offering lower interest rates can be option in some circumstances. You will have to make sure there are no break fees or cash-contributions you will have to pay back should you jump to a new lender. If you are thinking of refinancing you can get in touch with us, your broker or your bank to determine whether this is the right option for you. Mortgagee Sale If you are unable to get your payments back on track, your lender has the legal right to start the debt recovery process which may (in the worst case) lead to a mortgagee sale. This process is not a fast one as there are several legal obligations the lender must comply with before they can sell your home. If you believe this process is likely to start, or has started, get in touch with one of our team as soon as possible and we will guide you through it and work through some options with you. The most important thing you can do when facing the possibility of defaulting on your loan is to act early. Get in touch with us or your lender as soon as you can to avoid the possibility of a mortgagee sale.