Articles tagged with Fees

Government Raises Probate Threshold to $40,000 for Faster Asset Access | 2025 Update

3 hours ago | 40 views

The Government has agreed to raise the probate threshold from $15,000 to $40,000 to make it easier and cheaper for families to access assets of deceased loved ones, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. The current threshold set in 2009 no longer reflects the value of estates, especially with KiwiSaver balances, leading to smaller estates being burdened by court costs and legal fees. The increase aims to allow executors to distribute lower-value assets more efficiently, ensuring more of the estate goes to beneficiaries, while still maintaining oversight through the High Court for higher value assets to prevent fraud or non-compliance with the deceased's wishes.

Tags: Government probate threshold assets deceased loved ones Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith KiwiSaver High Court legal fees beneficiaries

New Zealand Bans Surcharges to Save Millions: Commerce Minister's Decision

3 days ago | 241 views

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announced the axing of surcharges to benefit New Zealanders financially. The move aims to eliminate the hassle and unexpected costs shoppers face at the checkout. By banning surcharges for in-store payments by May 2026, consumers can shop confidently without being penalized for their payment method choice.

Tags: surcharges money Kiwis Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson New Zealanders ban payments fees Commerce Commission