Connect with leading legal experts from across New Zealand at the Estate Planning Conference 2026. This industry-focused event brings together experienced practitioners to deliver insightful, practical, and forward-thinking discussions on the challenges that shape modern estate planning practice.

Designed to explore the realities of conflict in estate planning and administration, this year’s programme features engaging sessions and thought-provoking discussions that unpack the complexities practitioners face when advising clients, managing competing interests, and navigating disputes.

Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or looking to deepen your expertise, this conference offers a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and refine your approach. Gain practical insights, hear from leading voices in the field, and leave equipped with tools and strategies you can apply in practice.

Sessions

• Panel Discussion - Who is my Client? Unpacking the conflicts
• S21 Agreements – The Potential to Derail Asset Planning
• Planning for Conflict
• Caveats Against Probate
• Advising on Claims by Estates
• EPOAs - Conflicts and Independence When Advising
• Panel Discussion - Conflicts in Action: Practical Examples & Tips from our Panel

Schedule

11:30am - 12:30pm: Registration, Lunch & Networking
12:30pm – 5:00pm: Conference, including presentations, and a panel discussion exploring various issues of conflict and independence in a case study
5:00pm - 6:00pm: Networking, Drinks & Canapés

In Person

Secure your spot today!

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes 

• Identify key sources of conflict in estate planning practice.
• Analyse competing interests and their impact on client advice.
• Apply strategies to prevent and manage estate disputes.
• Recognise and respond to common risk areas, including executors, caveats, and EPOAs.
• Apply ethical principles to maintain independence and manage conflicts of interest.

Who Should Attend?

Property, trust and private client lawyers, family lawyers, litigators, and other professionals involved in estate planning, disputes, or administration.

Presenters

Rebecca Steens | Partner, Holland Beckett
Amanda Bedford | Director, McCaw Lewis
Bethan Read | Special Counsel, Morris Legal
Mary Rozeboom | Senior Legal Counsel, Perpetual Guardian
Henry Stokes | Group Counsel, Perpetual Guardian
Emma Tonkin | Partner, Hesketh Henry

Chair

Rebecca Steens | Partner, Holland Beckett