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The hot pool at the new Wanaka Community Pool complex was at risk of being canned, but proceeded thanks to the generosity of two business identities and philanthropists, who bequeathed $1m to enrich the Upper Clutha community they held so dear.

Retiring as a trustee? There’s a process that should avoid any problems down the line.

For many people a gift by Will (also known as a legacy) from a relative or friend can be very significant – both personally and financially.

Early in my legal career, back in Scotland, I was sent off to a far-flung farm on a case that was to turn a tad testy.

Few acts in our lifetime require more trust than giving another person the right to legally act on our behalf. And, there can be few more onerous responsibilities than taking on that significant duty.

It’s been around eight years in the making – and, after an in-depth review by some of the country’s leading legal luminaries, 2017 looks to be the year the much-anticipated overhaul of trust law will finally make it to Parliament in Bill form.

As we begin to look at 2016, the year that was, Clayton v Clayton will go down in the history books as one of the most significant legal happenings of the year - and one of the most defining cases in New Zealand relationship property and trust law history.

As they say, prevention tends to be better than the cure, so let’s take a look at one of the most pragmatic preventative legal measures you can take to safeguard your future – robust asset protection.