Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act
The Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act safeguards individuals who are unable to manage their personal care, welfare, or property due to incapacity. It covers a wide range of situations, including the Court appointing a property administrator or property manager to manage someone’s finances. A property administrator order is only granted if the subject person’s assets and income or benefit is under a prescribed amount. For all individuals who have property or income over that threshold, a property manager order is required which has additional obligations to report to the Court.
What does the new Protection of Personal and Property Rights Order 2024 do?
The 2024 update to the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act raises the threshold from 3 October 2024. From this date, the prescribed amount of any one item of property owned by the subject person is $25,000 and the amount of any income or benefit is $38,800. These thresholds are now also increased annually from 1 April 2025.
Who does it affect?
This legislation is especially important for families with elderly members, individuals with disabilities, or anyone at risk of losing decision-making capacity. It enables appointed representatives to make important decisions on behalf of those who need support. Until this law change, anyone receiving superannuation or a benefit was likely above the prescribed threshold for a property administrator order, meaning that the application for a property manager order was required even if the subject person had minimal income or assets.
Why is it important?
This law change has made applying for property administrator orders more accessible. Ensuring that your loved ones are legally protected in times of need is crucial. If you or someone close to you could benefit from advice on applying for court orders to appoint a welfare guardian, property orders or creating an enduring power of attorney, our experienced team is here to help!
Contact us today for personalised legal advice and to ensure your rights—and the rights of those you care about—are fully protected.
Get in touch: Call us on 09 959 0140 or visit our office in Silverdale, Auckland, for expert guidance.