Given the State of Emergency declaration and further announcements from the government, it is now clear that any property settlements that require physical movement of people are now for all practical purposes unlawful, the chair of the New Zealand Law Society's Property Law Section, Duncan Terris, says.

In an email to Property Law Section members, Mr Terris says lawyers need to counsel clients accordingly.

"Admittedly that will be difficult for some to understand and accept, but it is the reality in which we find ourselves," he says.

"Please be patient with fellow practitioners and clients alike and stay safe."

Mr Terris says COVID-19 Level 4 means the only permitted activity is that of  essential businesses which are primarily related to the necessities of sustaining life. This will continue to require changes and adjustments to the way we work and what we can achieve, he says.