From 28 May 2026, licensed premises can accept approved digital ID as evidence of age for alcohol purchases. While this is a relatively small regulatory amendment, it represents a significant shift toward digital verification in everyday transactions. Operators will need to make conscious decisions about whether and how to adopt it.

The recently issued 2026 Penalty Guidelines provide important insights into how the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) will approach enforcement outcomes under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

Cross leases are a familiar form of property ownership in New Zealand — and a common source of conflict when homes are altered. In Liow v Martelli, the Court of Appeal has clarified how consent should be approached, reshaping decades of practice.