We’re pleased to shine a light on Marta Black, an Associate in our Dispute Resolution team. Since joining Willis Legal in 2022, Marta has become a valued member of our Dispute Resolution team. She is known for her calm, thoughtful approach, and her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex disputes. Marta works across a wide range of civil litigation, with a particular focus on contentious trust matters and complex relationship property disputes. These areas often involve significant assets and sensitive family dynamics, and Marta is recognised for the steady guidance she brings to her clients throughout the process. Marta appears regularly in the range of courts in the civil jurisdiction. Before entering practice, she worked as a Judge’s Clerk at the High Court. That experience gave her a strong foundation in legal analysis and a close understanding of how complex decisions are made, something that continues to shape her work today. When asked what motivates her, Marta says she is driven by the challenge of providing accurate, timely, and practical advice. She enjoys the intellectual side of litigation and the satisfaction of solving difficult problems. “ I enjoy a complex puzzle and looking at a problem from all angles to find a solution that delivers results for our clients ,” she says. That mindset has seen her navigate some memorable matters, including acting in a contentious company dispute involving prejudice to shareholders, which ultimately led to a formal proof hearing in related relationship property proceedings. Another standout was a six‑week breach of contract trial in Auckland. It was hard‑fought, strategically demanding, and ultimately successful. Outside work, Marta enjoys the best of Hawke’s Bay life. She loves spending time with her young family and their two beagles, heading to the beach, and embracing her new hobby of camping (or glamping, as she admits with a smile). When asked what she finds most rewarding about her role, her answer is simple: “ Interesting work, with good people .”
A new year often brings fresh plans and new possibilities. For many people, that includes thinking about a change in where, or how, they live. Whether you are planning to buy your first home, move somewhere new, or sell a property in 2026, good preparation starts well before an agreement is signed. Property transactions often take longer than people expect. There are documents to review, decisions to make, and steps that need to happen in the right order. Starting early gives you more control, more confidence, and fewer surprises along the way. It is all about setting yourself up for a smoother journey. If you are thinking about selling A successful sale begins with understanding your property’s paperwork. Taking time now to check a few key areas can save you stress later. Title details: Easements, covenants, and other restrictions can affect how a buyer views your property. Knowing what is on your title helps you prepare for questions before they arise. LIM and property file information: Councils hold a lot of information about your property. Ordering these documents early gives you a clear picture of what a buyer will see. Building work and consents: If you have made alterations, it is important to confirm that the right consents and code compliance certificates are in place. Missing paperwork is one of the most common causes of delays or last-minute renegotiations. Identifying any issues early means you can deal with them on your terms, without pressure once an offer arrives. If you are thinking about buying Buyers benefit just as much from early preparation. A little groundwork now can make you a stronger, more confident purchaser when the right property appears. Understand the agreement: Sale and purchase agreements are legally binding. Knowing the key terms, conditions, and timelines ahead of time helps you move quickly without feeling rushed. Get finance ready: Talking to your mortgage broker or lender early means you will understand what conditions may apply and how much flexibility you have. Plan your due diligence: From building reports to title checks, due diligence is easier when you are not racing the clock. Early advice helps you know what to look for and what questions to ask. The biggest advantage is getting legal advice before you sign, not after. It is about being informed and prepared. Why timing matters When people leave things too late, they often end up making decisions under pressure. Important details get missed. Red flags in contracts or property information go unnoticed. And what should be an exciting life moment becomes unnecessarily stressful for you and your whānau. How early legal advice helps Starting the conversation early means you can: Understand risks and obligations before you commit. Get clarity on timelines, conditions, and key milestones. Move forward smoothly once you are ready to buy or sell. It is all about giving yourself the best chance of a straightforward, stress-free experience. Thinking about a move this year? Let’s talk You do not need to be ready to transact to get in touch. A short conversation now can save time, cost, and uncertainty later. If a property move is on your radar for 2026, our team is here to offer clear advice and practical guidance every step of the way.
The start of a new year is a natural time to set direction, reset priorities, and think about where you want your business to head. Strategy is not just about operations or day‑to‑day work. Strong legal foundations play a big part in supporting growth, resilience, and confident decision making. Many businesses grow and evolve faster than their original legal setup, which means the beginning of the year is a great moment to check that everything still fits. When your legal framework matches your strategy, decisions become easier and growth becomes smoother. Governance: Clarity at the top Good governance is not just for large companies. Even owner‑managed businesses benefit from clear roles, responsibilities, and decision‑making processes. When everyone understands who does what, and how key decisions are made, it reduces confusion and lowers risk as the business grows or changes. Solid governance gives you a framework you can rely on, especially when the pace picks up. Shareholder agreements: Planning for the ‘what‑ifs’ A shareholder agreement is one of the most useful tools a business can have. In plain English, it sets out how shareholders enter or exit the business, what happens if there is a dispute or a deadlock, and how changes in personal circumstances are handled. These are much easier conversations to have early, when everyone is aligned, rather than during a stressful moment. A clear agreement protects relationships and helps the business stay steady through change. Succession planning: Thinking beyond today Succession planning is not just about retirement. It also covers illness, unexpected exits, or opportunities that require a shift in leadership or ownership. A good plan aligns personal goals with business continuity, so the business remains viable and valuable long term. It gives certainty to your team and anyone who relies on the business. Risk management: Protecting what you have built As businesses grow, so do their risks. A quick review of your key contracts, supplier agreements, and customer terms can help ensure they still reflect how your business operates. It is also worth checking that your insurance and legal obligations align with your current activities. Small gaps can become big issues if left unnoticed. If your business handles customer data, it may also be worth checking that your privacy practices and policies still meet current requirements. People and employment settings Your people are often your biggest asset. Making sure employment agreements, policies, and health and safety settings are up to date helps protect both your team and your business. If you are planning to grow your workforce this year, it is a good time to check that your employment foundations are fit for purpose. Intellectual property and brand protection If your business has developed new products, branding, or processes, it may be worth checking that your intellectual property is protected. Trade marks and other IP steps can help safeguard the value you are creating, especially if you are expanding or entering new markets. Commercial leases and premises If you lease your premises, reviewing your lease terms can help you plan for renewals, rent reviews, or upcoming obligations. Leases often contain time‑sensitive requirements that can affect your flexibility later. Financing and banking arrangements If your business has lending or banking arrangements, it can be helpful to check that your obligations still align with your current structure and plans. Growth, restructuring, or new investments can all affect what your lender expects from you. Contract maintenance: Keeping things current Contracts age quickly. Reviewing your key agreements to ensure they still reflect pricing, responsibilities, and service levels can prevent misunderstandings later. If your business has grown or changed, your templates may need a refresh too. Common signs it is time for a legal review Recent or upcoming business growth or restructuring. New shareholders, partners, or investors. Increased complexity, risk, or asset value. Plans to exit, sell, or transition in the next few years. Many local businesses in Hawke’s Bay have grown quickly over the past few years, and a quick legal check‑in can help ensure your foundations keep pace. A simple game plan for the year ahead A legal game plan does not need to be complicated. Often it starts with a short conversation to understand your goals and identify the areas that matter most. From there, you can prioritise what needs attention now and what can wait. Early review helps you avoid surprises, reduce risk, and move forward with confidence. It can also help to make sure key people in your business understand any updates, so everyone is working from the same page. Let’s set your business up well for 2026 If you want to start the year with clarity and a strong foundation, our team is here to help. You do not need to have everything figured out. A quick conversation now can make a real difference later. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence, backed by advice you can trust.