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A Lien Notice alerts everyone that someone claims a legal right over property or assets they don't own. In New Zealand, creditors commonly use these notices to protect their financial interests when they've supplied goods or services but haven't been paid.

Once registered, the notice gives the creditor specific rights under NZ law, including the ability to seize or sell the property to recover what they're owed. You'll often see these notices in construction projects, vehicle financing, and business equipment deals. They act as a crucial safeguard for suppliers and lenders, while warning potential buyers about existing claims on the asset.

File a Lien Notice right away when you've provided goods, services, or labor but haven't received payment. For example, if you're a builder who's completed renovation work, or a supplier who's delivered materials to a construction site, securing your claim early protects your right to payment.

Time is crucial - in New Zealand, you need to lodge your notice within specific deadlines to maintain your legal rights. This is especially important in the construction industry, where contractors must file within 15 working days of completing their work. The notice also proves valuable when dealing with vehicle repairs, equipment rentals, or any situation where you need to secure your interest in property you've worked on.

• Construction Liens: Most common in NZ, used by builders, contractors, and material suppliers to secure payment for work on properties.
• Mechanic's Liens: Used by auto repair shops and mechanics to retain possession of vehicles until payment is made.
• Storage Liens: Applied by storage facilities or warehouses to claim rights over stored goods when fees remain unpaid.
• Maritime Liens: Specific to the shipping industry, securing claims for vessel repairs, supplies, or crew wages.
• Equipment Liens: Used when leasing or financing business equipment to protect the lessor's interests.

• Contractors and Suppliers: File lien notices to protect their right to payment for work done or materials supplied on construction projects
• Property Owners: Must respond to and manage lien notices filed against their properties, often working to resolve payment disputes
• Legal Professionals: Draft and file lien notices, ensure compliance with NZ regulations, and handle enforcement proceedings
• Banks and Lenders: Monitor lien notices as they can affect property titles and loan security
• Government Agencies: Process and maintain records of lien notices, especially through the Personal Property Securities Register

• Property Details: Gather exact property address, legal description, and ownership information from official records
• Payment Records: Document all unpaid amounts, including dates of work or delivery, invoices, and payment history
• Timeline Check: Confirm you're within NZ's legal filing deadlines for your specific type of lien
• Party Information: Collect full legal names and addresses of all involved parties, including property owners and contractors
• Supporting Documents: Prepare copies of contracts, invoices, proof of work completion, and any relevant correspondence
• Registration Details: Get your Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) account ready for filing

• Claimant Details: Full legal name, business address, and contact information of the party claiming the lien
• Property Description: Exact legal description and physical address of the property subject to the lien
• Claim Amount: Precise sum owed, including itemized breakdown of goods or services provided
• Work Description: Detailed explanation of services rendered or materials supplied
• Date Information: Completion date of work, date of last service, and filing deadline calculations
• Owner Information: Legal name and address of the property owner or principal contractor
• Verification Statement: Declaration confirming the truth and accuracy of all stated information

A Lien Notice differs significantly from a Lien Waiver, though they're often confused because both deal with payment rights in construction and property matters. While a Lien Notice establishes your claim to payment, a Lien Waiver does the opposite - it surrenders those rights.

• Timing and Purpose: Lien Notices are filed before or during payment disputes to secure rights, while Lien Waivers are signed after receiving payment to confirm satisfaction
• Legal Effect: A Lien Notice creates a security interest in property; a Lien Waiver releases that interest
• Party Control: The unpaid party files a Lien Notice, while the paying party typically requests a Lien Waiver
• Documentation: Lien Notices require detailed work and property descriptions, while Waivers focus on payment confirmation and release language