Insights & Articles

Interesting insights on various areas of New Zealand law for individuals and businesses alike.
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Commercial rent reductions may be possible due to Covid. If you have no access to your premises, changes in property law and leases may allow for this. Ask us.
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Proposed Changes to the Property Law Act 2007 - Mandatory Rent Reduction For All Commercial Leases During Lockdown

The Government has moved very fast to make significant changes to the law around commercial leases. The proposed changes would allow all commercial tenants, including business owners of all sizes, whether or not they have suffered material financial losses, a rent reduction for the period of 'no access' to their premises as a result of the current Covid-19 lockdown.
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Start-ups or existing firms can use Fintech. For software, apps, programs, banking, business models, click and collect, etc. Six key Acts and law to understand
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Creating a FinTech Business? Here Are Some Issues to Look Out For

Technological innovation in the financial services sphere has enabled financial institutions to adopt and use Financial Technology ("FinTech") to improve or allow for more effective or efficient provision of financial services. FinTech often involves innovation - new business models, applications, processes, and products or new ways of delivering those products. It includes computer programs, apps and other technology used to support or enable banking and financial services. FinTech businesses cater for a wide range of consumer needs; including online banking, obtaining financial advice, personalised investment portfolios, cash transfers, and share trading platforms. Successful FinTech businesses such as PayPal and AfterPay have become household names.
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Lenders must make sure of the Suitability and Affordability to borrowers in new credit contracts. The new regulations are complex. We can help SME lenders.
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Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act - Prescribed Suitability and Affordability Assessments for Consumer Credit Contracts - Is Your Business Ready?

On 1 October 2021, the long anticipated Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance (Lender Inquiries into Suitability and Affordability) Amendment Regulations 2020 ("Regulations") came into effect after being passed into law by the Government in November last year. The changes are well-intentioned, with the purpose being to tackle high-cost consumer loans and minimise borrower hardship that had been well documented in recent Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment inquiries into mobile trading. However, like all regulation, there is a trade-off, and these highly prescribed regulations place a significant compliance burden on responsible lenders, particularly small and medium enterprises.
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Do your building contracts cover you for Covid implications and effects for Principals, Engineers, and Contractors? See an Auckland construction dispute lawyer
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NZS3910:2013 Covid-19 Conditions

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.
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Travelling for shared childcare has a range of rules and conditions. Check with an Auckland or a Manukau family lawyer to avoid disappointment
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Travel From Level 3 to Level 2 for Shared Care as of 11.59 pm 28 September 2021

At 3.00 pm on 28 September 2021, the Government announced changes to travel during the current Alert Level 3. Travel across the border from Level 3 into Level 2 has been strictly limited, but the new rules that take effect at 11:59 pm tonight (28 September 2021) now permit travel across the border if one or more of the following situations applies to you:
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Separation is always hard but under lockdown, it is more difficult being in the same house. Talk to an Auckland or Manukau family lawyer for help
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What are my Options if I Wish to Separate From my Partner During Alert Level 4 Lockdown?

The combination of isolating within one bubble along with additional financial stress, changes to childcare and working from home can bring personal relationships closer or unfortunately, push them apart. Breakdowns in personal relationships can add an additional layer of stress to an already difficult situation. However, it is important to remember that help is available.
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For childcare, domestic violence, separation, relationship property, adoption, IVF and family matters, under Covid talk to an Auckland or Manukau family lawyer
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How to Deal With Family, Safety and Personal Matters During Uncertain Times - What we can do to Help

The Covid-19 Delta Variant Lockdown has created uncertainty and anxiety for many and has significantly impacted family dynamics, particularly in Auckland where Alert Level 4 is still ongoing. It is important to remember that help is available and at McVeagh Fleming, we are working remotely to provide you with an array of family law services. Our team have a range of experience and can provide pragmatic advice, tailored to your personal situation.
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When you sell a house with chattels, what is your liability for the working life and use of those items? An Auckland or Manukau property lawyer can advise
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Are You Sure You Want To Give That Warranty?

When you are selling a property it is common to list the 'Chattels' which you are to be selling with the building. Chattels are items which are able to be removed from a property without too much effort, and which were never intended to permanently form part of the structure. Common examples are an oven, paintings or a fridge. Occasionally they can be large eg a spa pool or garden shed. If it can fit on a truck, it may well be a chattel.
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Cashflow for building projects is a problem in Covid. Find out your options for being paid quickly to receive your cash. Auckland construction disputes lawyer
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Recovering Money During Lockdown in the Construction Industry

Many in the construction industry will be feeling frustrated at the latest lockdown slowing down projects and progress. Fortunately, not everything has to be put on pause. The Construction Contracts Act 2002 ("CCA") provides ways to recover money during lockdown.
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Childcare between separated parents is hard. In lockdown harder still. See your options for managing child access in Covid Auckland or Manukau family lawyer
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Facilitating Day-to-Day Care and Contact Through the Covid-19 Delta Variant Lockdown

Due to the recent presence of the highly contagious Covid-19 Delta variant within communities throughout New Zealand, the country has been placed into an Alert Level 4 Lockdown. The stringent lockdown restrictions may have implications for parents who have shared care arrangements, Parenting Orders, or who are involved in Family Court proceedings. This can create an added level of stress and anxiety as parents try to navigate both lockdown rules and day-to-day care of their children.
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After some big construction company failures, new rules for retention money for subcontractors. Directors may get penalties so check if you are compliant.
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The Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Bill - Open for Public Submission

The Government is once again looking to impose further statutory controls over how contractors are to handle and protect retention moneys owed to its sub-contractors - this time with civil monetary penalties facing the construction companies and their directors for non-compliance.
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To dismiss an employee, you must have good records and the correct method. Rocket Lab paid $97,000 for the wrong process. Auckland employment lawyer 377 9966
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Rocket Lab Ordered to Pay $97,000.00 to an Employee

This week the Employment Relations Authority ordered Rocket Lab Limited ("Rocket Lab") to pay $97,000.00 to an employee for an unjustified dismissal. Mr Owen was employed by Rocket Lab in January 2018 as a Vehicle Test Manager. Rocket Lab did not give Mr Owen an induction, he was essentially expected to 'get on with it'.
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Brougham v Regan - The Requirements for a Valid Contract of Guarantee

Brougham v Regan - The Requirements for a Valid Contract of Guarantee

On 30 October 2020 the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment in the context of contracts of guarantee in the case of Brougham v Regan [2020] NZSC 118. A summary of the key facts of the matter and important points in the Court's decision follow.
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Can you Require or Encourage an Employee to take the Covid-19 Vaccine?

Can you Require or Encourage an Employee to take the Covid-19 Vaccine?

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
Recently there have been a number of announcements by large employers overseas making the Covid-19 vaccine mandatory for customers and or employees. However, in New Zealand the Ministry of Health has confirmed that it will not be making the Covid-19 vaccination mandatory for New Zealanders. Given the current climate, employers in New Zealand are considering their options, including whether to make the vaccination mandatory in the workplace or even if they can encourage their employees to have the vaccine.
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Amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986

Amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986

Written by:
Alissa Bell
Vast changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, what landlords need to know of their rights and obligations to tenants. With the increasing number of New Zealanders renting, Parliament has seen it fit to make changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 ("the Act") to ensure renters are occupying warm, dry and liveable properties. The reformed Act looks to strike a balance between providing security and stability to tenants, while protecting landlord interest. It is important that landlords have an understanding of the new obligations and responsibilities the amended legislation imposes upon them, along with the penalties they may incur if not followed.
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Casual or Fixed Term?

Casual or Fixed Term?

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
2020 has been a year of upheaval for employers. Now many employers are looking for different ways to employ staff where their requirements have changed.
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High Court Finds Level 4 'Lockdown' Unlawful for First Nine Days, Considers Lawfulness of Non-Essential Business Closures

High Court Finds Level 4 'Lockdown' Unlawful for First Nine Days, Considers Lawfulness of Non-Essential Business Closures

Written by:
James Turner
The High Court has found that the Government's announcement of an Alert Level 4 'Lockdown' for four weeks from 26 March 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic was unlawful and potentially unenforceable for the first nine days (Borrowdale v Director-General of Health [2020] NZHC 2090). The Court also reviewed the closure of all non-essential businesses, which is significant for business owners hoping to file civil liability claims for lost revenue during this period.
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Implications for Incentive Payments/Bonuses

Implications for Incentive Payments/Bonuses

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
The Employment Court decision has significant implications for employers in respect of target-based incentive payments, and holiday pay entitlements over annual closedown periods. The Labour Inspectorate and Metropolitan Glass jointly filed proceedings in the Employment Court as they were unable to agree on holiday pay calculations (Metropolitan Glass and Glazing Limited v Labour Inspector, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment [2020] NZEmpC 39).
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Is Your Overseas 'Pre-Nup' Valid in New Zealand?

Is Your Overseas 'Pre-Nup' Valid in New Zealand?

Written by:
Alissa Bell
If you or someone you know has signed a Prenuptial Agreement, Premarital Agreement, Antenuptial Contract or Contracting Out Agreement in a country outside of New Zealand, then you/ they should find out if and how that Agreement applies in New Zealand. Irrespective of where these types of documents are signed, they generally have a similar purpose; that being to determine the status, ownership and value of assets at the start and end of a couple's relationship. But, are they valid when you have moved away from the country of signing?
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Workplace Personal Grievance Options Expanded Under New Law - Employment Relations (Triangular Employment) Amendment Act 2019

Workplace Personal Grievance Options Expanded Under New Law - Employment Relations (Triangular Employment) Amendment Act 2019

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
On 27 June 2020 the Employment Relations (Triangular Employment) Amendment Act 2019 ("the Act") came into force. The Act aims to provide protection to those in triangular employment relationships. Typically, a triangular relationship exists where a person is employed by a labour hire company/recruitment agency, and works under the control and direction of another entity (a controlling third party).
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What is the Difference Between Assignment and Novation?

What is the Difference Between Assignment and Novation?

Written by:
Andrew Knight
Assignment of contracts is a fairly common practice in the business world. In an assignment, the person assigning the contract - the "Assignor" - assigns the benefits of the contract the Assignor holds to a new person (the "Assignee") who takes the benefit of that contract "the Assignee". Some contracts may expressly prohibit assignment and some contracts provide that a contract may not be assigned without the consent of the other party. If a contract has no provision relating to assignment, then the general rule is that it may be assigned, with a few exceptions.
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Navigating New Zealand's New Privacy Arena

Navigating New Zealand's New Privacy Arena

Written by:
Andrew Knight
In a world that is placing an increasing reliance on technology and value in data, it is hardly surprising that New Zealand's outdated Privacy Act 1993 ("Act") is scheduled to be replaced on 1 December 2020 in its entirety by the Privacy Bill ("Bill") which is currently making its way through the final stages of Parliament.
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