Set out below is the information required by the Rules of Conduct and Client Care for Conveyancers of the New Zealand Society of Conveyancers (“NZSoC”).

1. Fees: The basis on which fees will be charged is set out in our letter of engagement. When payment of fees is to be made is set out in our Standard Terms of Engagement. We may deduct from any funds held on your behalf in our trust account any fees, expenses or disbursements for which we have provided an invoice.

2. Professional Indemnity Insurance: We hold professional indemnity insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum standards specified by the NZSoC. We will provide you with particulars of the minimum standards upon request.

3. Conveyancer’s Fidelity Fund: The NZSoC maintains the Conveyancers Fidelity Fund for the purpose of providing clients of Conveyancers with protection against pecuniary loss arising from theft by Conveyancers. The maximum amount payable by the Fidelity Fund by way of compensation to an individual is $1,000 or an amount equal to 60% of the money in the fund whichever is the greater at the time the claim is admitted by the Board. Conveyancing Plus has Professional Indemnity Insurance with fidelity cover for up to $100,000 for any one claim, which will be payable in the event that the Conveyancers Fidelity Fund is insufficient to provide compensation up to the maximum amount of $100,000 per claim.

4. Complaints: We maintain a procedure for handling any complaints by clients, designed to ensure that a complaint is dealt with promptly and fairly. If you have a complaint about our services or charges, you may refer your complaint to the person in our firm who has overall responsibility for your work. If you do not wish to refer your complaint to that person, or you are not satisfied with that person’s response to your complaint, you may refer your complaint to NZ Society of Conveyancers, go to www.nzsconveyancing.co.nz for contact details.

5. Conveyancers Complaints Service is administered by the NZ Society of Conveyancers and you are able to make a complaint to that service. To do so, email info@nzsconveyancing.co.nz and you will be referred to the nearest Complaints Service Office, which can provide information and advice about making a complaint.

6. Persons Responsible for the Work: The names and status of the person or persons who will have the general carriage of or overall responsibility for the services we provide for you are set out in our letter of engagement.

7. Client Care and Service: The NZSoC client care and service information is set out below. Whatever legal services your Conveyancer is providing, he or she must:

Act competently, in a timely way, and in accordance with instructions received and arrangements made.
Protect and promote your interests and act for you free from compromising influences or loyalties.
Discuss with you your objectives and how they should best be achieved.
Provide you with information about the work to be done, who will do it and the way the services will be provided.
Charge you a fee that is fair and reasonable and let you know how and when you will be billed.
Give you clear information and advice, protect your privacy and ensure appropriate confidentiality.
Treat you fairly, respectfully and without discrimination.
Keep you informed about the work being done and advise you when it is completed.
Let you know how to make a complaint and deal with any complaint promptly and fairly.

The obligations Conveyancers owe to clients are described in the Rules of Conduct and Client Care for Conveyancers. If you have any questions, please visit www.nzsconveyancing.co.nz

8. Limitations on extent of our Obligations or Liability: Any limitations on the extent of our obligations to you or any limitation or exclusion of liability are set out in our letter of engagement.