The Law Association of New Zealand

Unit Titles – New Model Operational Rules (2026) (On Demand)

This On Demand was recorded on 11 August 2026.

In August 2026, TLANZ released new Model Operational Rules – for Residential, Commercial/ Industrial and Mixed Use unit title developments. Whether it’s pets, noise or rubbish, operational rules help a body corporate to manage the unit title complex. While the Unit Titles Regulations 2011 include default rules, and a body corporate can make certain additions or changes to suit the particular complex (and is prohibited from making others), model operational rules can assist bodies corporate/developers, and their advisers, develop such rules with ease. The Model Operational Rules have been designed as a starting point for both existing and pending developments, and their advisers, to adapt to produce a tailored set of rules – and given their currency, cover key content for electric vehicles, bikes and scooters.

In this On Demand, those involved in formulating the Model Operational Rules will provide details about them and insights into their design, and considerations to be taken into account when looking to amend the default statutory rules.

Learning Outcomes

  • Become familiar with the rationale for and key aspects of the new Model Operational Rules for Residential, Commercial/ Industrial and Mixed Use unit title developments.
  • Improve your understanding of considerations to be taken into account when looking to amend the default statutory rules under the Unit Titles Regulations 2011.
  • Ascertain the two options for use of the respective Model Operational Rules.


Who Should Watch?

All property lawyers, property litigators and legal executives. Real estate professionals and rental agents would also find this session useful.


Presenters

Liza Fry-Irvine | Director, Liza Fry-Irvine Law
Clinton Baker | Partner, Price Baker Berridge
Ben Thomson | Director, Pidgeon Judd

Chair

Joanna Pidgeon | Director, Pidgeon Judd

Joanna Pidgeon

Joanna is a property law expert, Past President of ADLS (TLANZ), Convenor of TLANZ’s Documents & Precedents Committee and a member of its Property Law Committee. She is also a member of NZLS’ Land Titles Committee. She often makes determinations under the ASPRE when there are disputes, is a past Chair of the Property Disputes Committee and gives expert evidence in Courts and Tribunals on a wide range of property matters.

589abd3b-21e2-ed11-8847-00224893bd23
Clinton Baker

Clinton graduated from the University of Auckland in 1990 and is one of New Zealand's leading specialists on unit titles. Clinton advises committees, owners and their managers on a wide range of issues and regularly appears in Tribunals and Courts on behalf of bodies corporate.

dbd5c645-0bfc-ed11-8f6d-002248933b90
Ben Thomson

Ben specialises in property and commercial law and has acted for vendors and purchasers in a variety of complex, high-value commercial property transactions, as well as being experienced in all areas of commercial leasing. He has considerable development/subdivision experience and undertakes all aspects of fee simple, unit title, leasehold and cross-lease subdivisions including complex e-dealing registrations. Ben regularly advises bodies corporate, owners and building managers in relation to operational rules, building management agreements, governance repairs and maintenance, boundary changes, redevelopments, ownership and utility interest reassessments, disputes and general compliance with the Unit Titles Act 2010. He is frequently instructed in relation to property disputes and undertakes arbitrations and hearings in the Tenancy Tribunal for his clients as well as supporting counsel in litigation in the higher courts.

77d5c645-0bfc-ed11-8f6d-002248933b90
Liza Fry-Irvine

Liza is a Unit Title and Body Corporate specialist and is known in the industry for her technical expertise and passion for industry education. She advises Bodies Corporate, Committees, owners, and Body Corporate Managers, and is a regular speaker and trainer in various aspects of the area. She is past SCA (NZ) Vice President and Executive member, and was involved in all aspects of government submissions on the Unit Titles Amendment Act. Liza is a member of TLANZ’s Property Law Committee and drafted the Model Operational Rules on commencement of the current Act.

f1d7c645-0bfc-ed11-8f6d-002248933b90

Details

CPD Hours: 1.00hr

Pricing Details

Ticket Price

Member: $120 plus GST
Non-Member: $170 plus GST




Loading...