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Articles by The Professional Trustee Team

New Trust Law Passed

AUTHOR: The Professional Trustee Team

POSTED: 29 August 2019

30 July 2019 was an important milestone in the land of trusts. That was the date the Trust Act 2019 became law in New Zealand.

One of the objectives of this new law is to provide for greater transparency and accountability by trustees to beneficiaries. This objective is underpinned by trustee duties now being codified.

Whilst it may seem an obvious point to make, it should nevertheless be made... in order for a beneficiary to hold a trustee accountable, they must first know they are indeed a trust beneficiary. Prior to this new enactment, many people would be unaware they were beneficiaries of a trust. This is because trustees did not have a positive legal duty to inform a person of their position. The new Act has reversed this position entirely, however, mandating trustees have positive duties of disclosure to honour.

Pursuant to the newly introduced statute, trustees must now inform people if they are a beneficiary of a trust. This includes fixed and discretionary beneficiaries. Furthermore, trustees must provide specific information to beneficiaries. Whilst trustees have a legal right to withhold information, this will prevail only in very exceptional circumstances.

Clearly, an effect of the new Act means privacy of trust matters will be curtailed to a certain extent. Simultaneously, a greater onus will be placed on trustees to not only meet their legal duties in the administration of trust affairs, but also to be seen by the beneficiaries to do so.

Existing trusts will enjoy a transitional period before they must comply with the Act's provisions. However, on 30 January 2021 all trusts in New Zealand will be subject to the new regime. This gives trustees time in which to take action should they wish to change provisions of their trust deed, such as amending beneficiary classes.

As always, if you need assistance with your trust affairs, be sure to contact us on +64 9 522 7955, info@gra.co.nz or via our website.

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The Professional Trustee Team

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© Gilligan Rowe & Associates LP

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Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide only a summary of the issues associated with the topics covered. It does not purport to be comprehensive nor to provide specific advice. No person should act in reliance on any statement contained within this article without first obtaining specific professional advice. If you require any further information or advice on any matter covered within this article, please contact the author.

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