Author: Philip Norton

Philip Norton is a Partner at Rice Craig Barristers and Solicitors. His principal areas of practice are property law, commercial law, estate planning, wills, family trusts, and powers of attorney. He has extensive expertise in the sale and purchase of residential, commercial, and rural property across South Auckland and the Franklin district, and a particular interest in farm succession planning drawn from his own rural background. Philip has been practising at Rice Craig for over 20 years from the firm's Papakura office.

Building a Granny Flat in South Auckland? The 2026 No-Consent Rules Explained

Last Verified: 8 July 2026 | Author: Philip Norton, Partner, Rice Craig Barristers and Solicitors This page covers the legal requirements for building a consent-free granny flat in South Auckland under the new 2026 rules. For an overview of Rice Craig’s full property law services, visit our Property Law Hub. What changed for granny flats […]

Trust Busting: a new Inheritance Act and Property at Death

On 28 May 2022, the New Zealand Herald published an article titled, “Trust busting: Inheritance, divorce law changes mean assets will no longer be safe.” It reported on the New Zealand Law Commission’s “Review of Succession Law Report.” The key question addressed by the Law Commission was: Who has rights to a person’s property on […]

Uncertain times call for certain contracts – Current issues plaguing Agreements for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate

With rising interest rates, tougher loan restrictions, and a looming possible recession vendors and purchasers need to best protect themselves when entering into Agreements for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate. These protections are vital in a housing market where prices are declining. Below we outline some common issues that we have encountered thus far […]

Trusts Act 2019

Happy woman and man in love holding hands. Trust, love, couple, unity concept

Trusts have a valuable role to play for New Zealanders who want to protect their assets and provide for future generations of their family or Whanau. If you are a trustee or a beneficiary of a trust, you need to be aware that legislative changes are coming into effect in 2021 which may affect you. […]

Wiltshire Stone Lawyers Join Rice Craig

Rice Craig is expanding. We are delighted to announce the arrival of Lance Wiltshire and his support staff, Catherine Te-Wharau, Sharon Lynch and Adele Schick at Rice Craig from September 2018. Lance is joining us as a Senior Consultant, and Catherine, Sharon and Adele will continue to work with Lance in the way that they […]