Wellington Lawyers: Farm Leases in NZ: Common Mistakes to Avoid | Core Legal Wellington

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Sept. 25, 2025 - PRLog -- Discover the five most common mistakes in New Zealand farm leases and how to avoid them. Learn how clear agreements protect your land, income, and relationships.

Five Common Mistakes in Farm (https://corelegal.co.nz/) Leases – And How to Avoid Them

In rural New Zealand, it's common for farmland to be leased for grazing, cropping, or other agricultural use. Unfortunately, many of these leases are based on handshake agreements or generic templates. While this may seem convenient, it can lead to costly misunderstandings—particularly when ownership changes, repairs are needed, or disputes arise.

At Core Legal Masterton and Wellington, we regularly advise landowners and tenants on lease-related issues. Here are five of the most common mistakes we see in farm leases, and how to avoid them.

1. Unclear Lease Term or No Renewal Clause

Many leases fail to specify a clear start and end date, or whether renewal is possible. This can cause disputes when one party assumes the lease continues while the other has different plans.

✅ Tip: Always include a defined lease term, renewal rights (if any), and notice periods for termination or extension.

2. No Clarity on Infrastructure Responsibilities

Farm leases often involve fences, irrigation systems, stockyards, and water supplies. Without clear terms, disagreements arise over who pays for repairs or replacements.

✅ Tip: List all infrastructure in the lease and assign responsibility for maintenance, repair, and upgrades.

3. No Limits on Stocking (https://corelegal.co.nz/), Land (https://corelegal.co.nz/) Use, or Environmental Impact

Overstocking, overgrazing, or poor land management can degrade soil, harm waterways, and breach environmental regulations.

✅ Tip: Set limits on stocking rates, fertiliser use, and weed control. Include clauses about protecting waterways and maintaining soil health.
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