The Trustees Handbook, 7th edition

A practical and authoritative guide to modern trust administration, Trustee's Handbook (7th Edition) is an indispensable resource for trustees, trust lawyers, accountants, and other professional advisers. Updated to reflect the latest developments in trust law and contemporary trust practice, this comprehensive handbook provides clear guidance on navigating trustee responsibilities with confidence and compliance.

Designed as a day-to-day reference tool, the handbook combines practical commentary with 120 precedent minutes and resolutions, helping trustees document decisions and administer trusts effectively. It also includes detailed checklists, governance guidance, and expert insights into the requirements of the Trusts Act 2019, making it an essential resource for anyone involved in trust management.

Why You'll Value This Book

• Practical, real-world guidance for the everyday administration of trusts.
• Includes 120 ready-to-use precedent minutes and resolutions covering common trustee decisions and actions.
• Comprehensive compliance checklists to support good governance and risk management.
• Clear explanation of trustee duties and obligations under the Trusts Act 2019.
• Covers key regulatory considerations, including AML/CFT, FATCA, CRS, and source of wealth requirements.
• Helps trustees and advisers make informed decisions and maintain best-practice trust administration standards.

Key Features

The seventh edition provides practical guidance on:

• Mandatory and default trustee duties under the Trusts Act 2019.
• Assessing and responding to beneficiary needs and interests.
• AML/CFT, FATCA, CRS, and source of wealth obligations.
• Trust structuring considerations and governance best practice.
• Accepting appointment as a trustee and understanding associated responsibilities.
• Reviewing and interpreting trust deeds.
• Deciding whether to act personally or through a corporate trustee.
• Corporate trustee governance and administration.
• Essential trust establishment and administration procedures.
• Trustee decision-making and documentation processes.
• Exercising investment powers and managing trust assets.
• Ratification of trustee decisions.
• Gifting strategies and considerations.
• Trustee retirement and succession planning.
• Contemporary case law developments affecting trust practice.

Who Should Read This Book?

This handbook is essential for:

• Trustees seeking practical guidance on meeting their legal duties and managing trusts effectively.
• Individuals considering accepting a trustee appointment.
• Lawyers advising on trust creation, administration, governance, and succession planning.
• Accountants and professional advisers involved in trust management.
• Corporate trustees and trust administration professionals.
• Anyone responsible for establishing, managing, or overseeing trusts.

Whether you are an experienced trust practitioner or newly appointed trustee, Trustee's Handbook (7th Edition) provides the practical tools, precedents, and expert guidance needed to administer trusts with confidence, comply with regulatory obligations, and meet the expectations of modern trust governance.

New Zealand trust law is increasingly complex. Trustee's Handbook (7th Edition) delivers the practical guidance, precedents, and compliance tools that trustees and advisers need to navigate their responsibilities with confidence.