In the context of rural property transactions, due diligence commonly involves an elevated level of complexity combining as it does considerations about large areas of land and its associated commercial value. It is critical to get it right.
This On Demand session provides clear guidance and useful advice to lawyers practising in the area of rural property transactions on what to look out for and potential problems that can arise when undertaking due diligence.
Junior to intermediate lawyers involved in rural property transactions and property lawyers of any level who may occasionally be involved with the sale and purchase of rural land.
As farms have grown in size, value and complexity, there has been a clear move away from family-owned enterprises to syndicated agricultural entities.
Syndication has obvious advantages for farmers and investors alike but the process is complex and needs to be handled with care from start to finish.
This On Demand session discusses why farmers may want to syndicate in the first place and how the syndication process is managed.
Rural lawyers, and property and commercial practitioners who have clients, both farmers and investors, involved in the syndication process.
Rural properties (including farms) stand apart from other realty and income-generating assets in that they are frequently the culmination of lifetime investments, driving significant emotional attachment.
These factors, together with the increasingly complex nature of families, mean that careful attention and expertise are required when advising such clients on succession planning matters.
With focus on both legal and financial aspects, this On Demand session equips lawyers with knowledge of how best to advise rural and farming clients according to their individual needs when planning their future, that of the farm and their children.
Junior to intermediate rural lawyers and property lawyers of any level who may occasionally be involved with advising rural (including farming) clients on their succession planning matters.
With exports forecast to reach 2 billion dollars by the end of the decade, the New Zealand wine industry has enjoyed great success. However, behind the scenes, the legal aspects associated with the industry can be both varied and complex and there is much that lawyers need to be aware of when advising clients.
This On Demand session considers a number of legal issues associated with the wine industry including advice on buying vineyards, difficulties with supply and management agreements, the increasing interest in vineyard leasing and issues arising out of wine making and selling.
Rural law practitioners, property lawyers and general practitioners who might advise clients in the wine industry from time to time.
Overseas investment is often a contentious issue and never more so than in the rural sector.
This On Demand session considers recent developments in overseas investment, looks at relevant case law and the particular issues that arise in the rural context and provides advice on how best to represent clients when dealing with the Overseas Investment Office.
Rural law practitioners and other practitioners who might advise on OIO matters generally.
The farming sector is New Zealand's largest merchandise export producer. It is an essential part of New Zealand's economy, society, culture and environment. The total agricultural debt reached $62.8 billion in September 2018.
In particular, the dairy farming sector is highly indebted, and the Reserve Bank noted in its 2018 Financial Stability Report that the sector is vulnerable to a future down-turn in dairy prices.
Recent biosecurity incursions such as Mycoplasma bovis in cattle have had a significant impact on some farm businesses. Uncertainty in the sector has also increased due to the impact of tighter environmental regulations, climate change and restrictions on foreign investment.
This uncertainty has led to subdued farm sales activity and prices in some sectors. In Parliament's view, establishing a compulsory Farm Debt Mediation scheme will support rural communities to build resilience to the risks and challenges the sector is facing.
General practitioners, commercial lawyers at intermediate and senior level, bankers and financial advisers involved in the agribusiness sector.
