Abstract
This chapter explores New Zealand’s experience of bringing de facto partners within the family property sharing fold. For more than 20 years New Zealand has taken a functionalist approach to adult relationships and has treated unmarried couples in much the same way as married couples for property sharing purposes. The chapter begins by examining the historical development of family property law in New Zealand and the emergence of property rights for unmarried couples. It then considers how the current law recognises unmarried couples and identifies the flaws in the existing rules. It concludes by looking to developing trends and the future of family property rights in New Zealand.