Seminar on Private Law Reform in New Zealand with Professor Geoff McLay

On 9 October 2025, CityUHK School of Law (SLW) hosted an insightful seminar moderated by Professor FANG Meng Mandy, Assistant Professor of SLW, featuring Professor Geoff McLAY, Dean of the School of Law at Victoria University of Wellington and a former New Zealand Law Commissioner.

At the seminar, entitled “(Private) Law Reform at The End of The World: What New Zealand Can Teach (And Not) About Making (Or Not Making) Private Law”, Professor McLay discussed the development and implications of the Trusts Act 2019, the most significant private law reform in New Zealand since 1993.

He explored the context and core principles of the Trust Law reform, noting the significance of modernising outdated legislation. Professor McLay also addressed the controversies surrounding its compromises, particularly regarding information provisions, Commercial Trusts exceptions, and ambiguity in legal interpretation.

The engaging session enriched attendees’ understanding of the development of trust law, sparking thoughtful discussions.