Love Thy Neighbour: A guide to navigating common neighbour disputes

Love Thy Neighbour? A guide to navigating common neighbour disputes

Presenters:

Andrew Peat, Barrister
David Broadmore, Partner Buddle Findlay
Mitch Singh, Partner, Glaister Ennor
Wi Pere Mita, Manager Māori Legal Services, Community Law South Auckland

Synopsis:

Disputes between neighbours can escalate quickly and disproportionately. On occasion, tensions build until one neighbour explodes, like one who took a chainsaw to his neighbour’s fence. Often however, disputes make their way through our courts and tribunals, with some culminating in lengthy and costly litigation (such as in the case of Aitchison v Walmsley where a dispute over a play-fort led to 4 years of litigation). Knowing how to navigate and best resolve these often heated disputes may be beneficial to all lawyers advising clients in the area.

These materials provides a guide to navigating common neighbour disputes, in the context of recent and interesting case law, and will focus on restrictive covenants, cross leases, rights of way, boundaries and actionable nuisances.

These materials will help you:

• Gain a better understanding of the law as it relates to restrictive covenants, cross leases, rights of way, boundaries and actionable nuisances, and become aware of recent and key case law.
• Learn what steps to take, and what remedies are available, where disputes can only be resolved by litigation.
• Learn about practical solutions to consider before disputes become litigious, as well as the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms available, and organisations that can assist your clients manage their problems.

Intended Audience:

Litigators, property lawyers and general practitioners.