Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a legal issue that affects your rights, property, business, or family, it’s wise to seek legal advice early. Common reasons to engage a lawyer include buying or selling property, employment disputes, family law matters, estate planning, and starting or restructuring a business.

Without legal advice, you risk misunderstanding your rights and obligations, which can lead to missed opportunities or costly mistakes. A good lawyer helps you choose the right strategy, manage risk, and represent your interests effectively.

Look for a law firm with experience in your area of need, a strong reputation, positive client feedback and clear communication. Holland Beckett has served clients across the Bay of Plenty since 1937, with experienced lawyers across all major practice areas. We pride ourselves on excellent legal work and client service.

We are a full‑service law firm with specialist teams across a wide range of legal areas:

• Property law – residential, commercial, rural & agribusiness
• Trusts, asset protection & estate planning – including wills, EPOAs, family trusts and relationship property
• Estate administration – probate applications, executors’ duties, sale of assets and more
• Family law – including relationship property, separation, care of children, protection orders
• Employment law – agreements, contracts, disciplinary procedures, disputes, personal grievances, restructuring, redundancy and severance and more
• Civil litigation & dispute resolution – including mediation, adjudication and arbitration
• Commercial – contracts, structuring, shareholder and partnership agreements, and more
• Corporate and finance – M&A, capital raising, private equity, asset financing, corporate structuring, and more
• Māori law – Māori land, incorporations and trusts, and Māori Land Court appearances
• Local government – we regularly advise on local government law issues, judicial review proceedings and local government legislation
• Environment & planning – resource consents, RMA, planning processes, fast track consenting and more
• Renewables & energy, climate‑related legal issues – wind, solar, hydro and geothermal energy projects, from planning and development to operation.

Yes. We support individuals with personal legal issues and businesses from startup advice through to complex commercial transactions and disputes.

Yes, we advise and represent clients locally, nationally and internationally. Many matters can be handled remotely. We have offices in Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatāne and Taupō.

Yes. We offer phone and video consultations for clients who prefer or need to meet remotely.

Identify the area of law your issue relates to (e.g., property, employment, family, commercial). Our team includes experienced lawyers across multiple practice areas, and we’ll match you with the right specialist once we understand your needs.

Our large team ensures your instructions are resourced at the appropriate level and price, with Partner oversight throughout.

Browse our website Expertise page or Our People page to learn more about our legal advisors experience and areas of focus.

We provide an initial discussion to understand your situation and outline next steps. This introductory conversation is generally free, even if you choose not to proceed.

If you do instruct us, terms of engagement will be sent and appropriate fees will be charged from that point.

View our terms and conditions here:

Our fees vary depending on the nature and complexity of your matter. Fees are charged based on what is fair and reasonable for the services provided, considering factors such as time spent by the lawyers involved at their usual hourly rate, urgency and complexity.

Where practicable, we will provide an estimate of fees, expenses and disbursements involved in carrying out your legal work.

We may sometimes request an initial payment (retainer) up front to cover anticipated costs before taking further steps on your behalf.
Our usual practice is to invoice monthly, with invoices due within 14 days of issue.

Please bring valid identification (passport or driver’s licence), proof of address, and any relevant documents, contracts or correspondence related to your matter. Our team will guide you on what is required.

Timeframes vary significantly depending on the complexity, process requirements and key event timing. We’ll discuss expected timeframes at the outset and keep you informed throughout.

Client confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice. All information is handled with strict confidentiality in accordance with New Zealand law, regulations, and professional standards.

Contact us via phone or email. Our team will direct your query to the relevant team who will respond promptly, to schedule your consultation, and guide you through the next steps.