What happens when a multi-million-dollar home in St Heliers, Auckland, is frozen due to an overseas criminal investigation – and a government-appointed officer tries to sell it before the case is decided?

Selling a business requires owners and agents to highlight the appealing aspects of the business to attract potential buyers. Emphasising the positives is important, but when information veers into misleading territory, it can lead to significant issues.

As the world grapples with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses face a myriad of legal challenges. From the financial strain on corporations to the nuances of insurance claims and employment law intricacies, the landscape is evolving. This article explores the potential areas of litigation that have emerged globally, shedding light on crucial aspects for businesses to consider.

Issues on the “Zero Hour Contracts” for employees have been topical in the lead up to the Employment Standards Legislation Bill (“the Bill”), which is due to be passed on 1 April 2016.

At one time or another, all businesses confront the unpleasant task of collecting outstanding fees for the services or products they have provided. When a client refuses to pay an outstanding invoice, recovering the money due may turn into a drawn-out process, even when the amount owed appears un-contentious. Engaging a solicitor to assist with the debt recovery process has the benefit of both impressing on the debtor your commitment to pursuing the debt and simplifying an otherwise frustrating process.

Commenced on 4 April 2016, the new Health and Safety at Work Act ("the Act") replaced the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 which overhauled the way businesses and organisations must implement their health and safety policies. The HSWA also put in place a new statutory regime to enforce compliance obligations.

The enactment of the Health and Safety Reform Bill is expected to occur in April 2015. Significant changes to the workplace health and safety framework will require preparation now to ensure compliance.

The Construction Contracts Amendment Act 2015 is implementing a number of updates to the Construction Contracts Act 2002 ("the CCA"). The amendments are coming into force progressively between 1 December 2015 and 31 March 2017.

In the wake of the Covid-19 lockdown, many employers are assessing options available to them to save their business and are contemplating cutting staff. This decision should not be taken lightly as the underlying requirements for proper termination of employment still apply.

The Principal, the Contractor and the Engineer had to navigate through the general and specific conditions of their NZS3910:2013 contracts in regards to variations, extensions of time and payment claims for the Covid-19 lockdown period.

The minimum contribution rate for employers and employees has increased from 2% to 3% of gross salary or wages from the first pay period commencing onor after 1 April 2013.

The Covid-19 level 4 alert lockdown is having a significant impact on the way people work during this time. Whilst the Government is providing assistance to businesses such as the wage subsidy to pad the landing for employers, there are numerous challenges facing employees in the coming weeks.