Commercial Law Service & Specialist Foreign Investment Expertise
Christchurch based but consulting nationwide, Lefever Law are proven specialists in corporate and commercial law and transactions, with particular expertise in New Zealand’s overseas investment regime and Overseas Investment Office (OIO) applications for investment approvals.
The Principal, Christina Lefever, has over 10 years’ experience advising on the overseas investment regime and the OIO application process. She has advised on a significant number of successful OIO applications, primarily in the rural and agricultural sector, including investments relating to farming, forestry and horticulture.
This expertise is supported by over 15 years experience in all aspects of commercial law, both in the agricultural context and at a more general level. This combination of legal experience and industry specific knowledge allows Lefever Law to bring unique insights when assisting with the OIO application process and advising on associated issues.
Over 15 years experience in all aspects of commercial law
Christina’s commercial law experience includes:
When do I need Overseas Investment Office Consent?
Given the recently widened scope of New Zealand's OIO regime, any investor with overseas connections should get advice on New Zealand’s OIO regime before investing in any:
Not all investments will require OIO consent. However, some investments that do not require OIO consent still need to be notified to the OIO.
New Zealand’s OIO regime applies to:
Applying for OIO consent to acquire New Zealand assets will require specialist legal services.
Seek expert advice as early as possible to help ensure a smooth application process
View our Case Studies for examples of the services we can provide
Solid track record of successful Overseas Investment Office Approvals
You can remain confident you’re in the hands of an experienced professional when it comes to navigating the specialist law area of the Overseas Investment Regime.
Lefever Law understands that while investment is generally encouraged by our government, the process involved in obtaining approval can be complex and time-consuming.
Christina Lefever has advised on over 40 successful applications in recent times for investment across a variety of sectors, including a significant number relating to New Zealand’s farming, forestry and horticulture sectors. She is familiar with all of the OIO tests for various investment types, including:
Lefever Law is a first choice for intelligent, effective and experienced legal services for corporate and private investors.
"A proven ability to address these challenges in both a constructive and commercial manner "
Craigmore has worked with Christina Lefever over the past decade on the vast majority of its over 30 OIO applications and associated supporting advice regarding the Overseas Investment Act.
Christina’s skill and experience in this area is instrumental in Craigmore being one of the few entities in New Zealand that continues to obtain OIO approval for both forestry and farmland acquisitions. The Act has a great objective in that it ensures that offshore capital brings true benefits to Aotearoa. However, it remains a difficult piece of legislation to both interpret and administer. Christina, therefore, is a core part of our team, bringing a proven ability to address these challenges in both a constructive and commercial manner.
Che Charteris
Managing Partner | Craigmore Sustainables Group
"Makes the OIO process very investor-friendly"
Christina’s expertise and industry knowledge makes the OIO process very investor-friendly. She took real ownership of the application, managing the whole process including liaising with my other advisors and dealing with questions from the OIO. Christina’s expertise is evident in the way that she responds to queries about the application and consent process, gathers information, and presents it in a clear, comprehensive manner.
Private investor
"Her commercial advice reflects a sound understanding of both the legal and practical aspects of the OIO regime "
NZ Binxi (Oamaru) Foods Ltd has worked with Christina on OIO and commercial matters since its first investment into New Zealand in 2015, following a professional recommendation. She has assisted us in obtaining three OIO approvals and skilfully dealt with associated issues and queries. Her commercial advice reflects a sound understanding of both the legal and practical aspects of the OIO regime.
Richard Thorp
COO | Binxi Foods New Zealand
Taking the complexity and frustration out of business and property investment
Knowledgeable, experienced corporate & commercial lawyer
I have over 15 years’ experience specialising in corporate and commercial law and have acted for clients in a broad range of industries, with a particular focus on.
My experience in advising on the Overseas Investment Act consent process means that along with a comprehensive knowledge of the Overseas Investment Act and Regulations, I understand the practicalities associated with the application process (including applications for variations and exemptions) and the key issues that clients face.
My expertise also includes advising on business start-ups, acquisitions and disposals, corporate structuring, employee share schemes, joint venture arrangements, service arrangements, and franchising and licensing. I have significant experience in negotiating and drafting an extensive range of commercial contracts.
I have an interest in governance and am a member of the Institute of Directors and have completed the Institute of Directors’ Governance Development Programme.
Professional Memberships
- New Zealand Law Society
- New Zealand Institute of Directors
- OIO - Legal Reference Group
Qualifications
- New Zealand Institute of Directors Governance Development Programme - Completed in 2013
- Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand - Admitted September 2004
- Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) - University of Canterbury, 2004
- Bachelor of Commerce (Majoring in Accounting, Finance and Information Systems) - University of Canterbury, 2004
Seminars
June 2020 Legalwise Webinar: OIO - Emergency Notification Regime & other Reforms
June 2019 Legalwise Rural Forum: Overseas Investment - A Changing Regime
April 2018 NZ Property Council: Overseas Investment - A Changing Regime
February 2018 Legalise Seminar: Overseas Investment Update
I have also presented numerous sessions to banks and real estate agents on the OIO regime and impacts for their client base and business dealings.
Specialist advisor on the Overseas Investment Act
Taking the complexity and frustration out of business and property investment
Lefever Law advises on the deployment of investor capital across all sectors within New Zealand, with particular expertise in the farming, horticultural and forestry sectors.
Specialist subject author & commentator
Publications by Christina Lefever, interviews and references to significant news events and bulletins
Legalwise Article — June 2018
Update on Overseas Investment Laws in Current Amendment Bill
Legalwise Article — September 2018
Overseas Investment Amendment Act restricts foreign buyers of residential land
RealEstate Magazine — Spring 2018
Overseas Investment Amendment Bill - A Sledgehammer to Crack a Nut?
Media presence
In 2018, Christina was been interviewed by various media publications regarding the changes to the OIO regime and legislation, including:
July 2018
NBR
'Developers take a hit under foreign buyer ban changes'
NZ Property Investor
Farmers Weekly 'More clarity for foreign investors'
Qualified and experienced corporate and commercial law specialist with a stable record of successful Overseas Investment Office applications.
