Insights & Articles

Interesting insights on various areas of New Zealand law for individuals and businesses alike.
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Relations Authority (ERA) recently issued a noteworthy determination, awarding in favour of an employee who had endured severe bullying in the workplace.
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A large compensation payment for bullying

The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) recently issued a noteworthy determination, in which a significant amount of compensation was awarded in favour of an employee who had endured severe bullying in the workplace. This case has the potential to establish a precedent, paving the way for comparable compensation awards to be made in cases involving moderate to severe breaches of employment law by employers.
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Earthquake-prone buildings: If you lease or own (or intend to) premises for your business or a commercial building, you may be affected by recent changes.
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Earthquake-prone buildings: Are you on shaky ground?

The introduction of the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Act 2016 introduced major changes to how earthquake-prone buildings are identified and managed under the Building Act 2004. If you are looking to lease or buy then investigate if the new rules might impact the property you are looking at. If the property does fall under the new rules, then you need to make yourself aware of how this could impact a lease or your investment.
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Buying a 'pre-loved' boat/ship (or any major asset for that matter) irrespective of the size without undertaking due diligence is very risky.
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Boat purchase 101 - Technical due diligence

The importance of due diligence cannot be overstated; a little bit of time and money spent prior to purchasing a boat should (but not always) save a lot of time, frustration, and money if the boat turns out to be other than advertised. Also, it occasionally uncovers issues that even the owner was unaware of.
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Business Sales and the Consequences of Misrepresentation. Selling a business demands that owners and agents don't make misrepresentations.
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Selling a business (pet treats) and the consequences of misrepresentation

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.
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In the intricate landscape of estate planning and the execution of wills, the selection of legally appointed executors and trustees is critical.
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Will woes and family drama: will drafting, executor responsibilities, and balancing family relationships

In the intricate landscape of estate planning and the execution of wills, the selection of legally appointed executors and trustees is critical. We explore an example case, which is a real eye-opener on the wild ride of wills, family dynamics, and the not-so-simple task of divvying up the goods.
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Nikah - what this can mean for your relationship property entitlements.
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Enforcing a Nikah (an Islamic marriage contract)

If you and your partner intend to enter into a nikah, it is important to consult with a lawyer to advise you of the possible effects and implications of that agreement and your property rights should you and your partner separate. If you and your partner have already separated and you have entered into a nikah, a lawyer can also advise you on what that means for your relationship property entitlements.
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With the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the potential areas of litigation that have emerged globally, businesses need to consider.
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Legal Landscapes Post-COVID: Navigating Global Challenges for Businesses

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.
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The government is extending the availability of 90-day trial periods to all employers. This is a great time to ensure your employment agreements are up to date.
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Ensure your employment agreements are up to date

The Holidays Act 2003 specifically provides for annual 'customary' closedowns. There are a few rules you need to be aware of. We have set out some scenarios, and answered the most commonly asked questions.
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There are a few rules you need to be aware of. We have set out some scenarios below, and the most commonly asked questions.
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Closing down over Christmas and managing annual leave

The Holidays Act 2003 specifically provides for annual 'customary' closedowns. There are a few rules you need to be aware of. We have set out some scenarios, and answered the most commonly asked questions.
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In an age where time is of the essence and personal schedules are tightly packed, the reliability of transportation services is paramount.
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Empowering passengers: Exploring consumer rights regarding late departures in transportation services

In an age where time is of the essence and personal schedules are tightly packed, the reliability of transportation services is paramount. Late departures by trains, buses, flights, and other means of transportation have become a common concern for consumers around the world. The rights of consumers when faced with tardy departures are not to be taken lightly.
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This article discusses the importance of property owners in New Zealand reviewing their insurance coverage, especially given widespread flood damage.
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Is your property adequately insured?

This article discusses the importance of property owners in New Zealand reviewing their insurance coverage, especially in the aftermath of widespread damage caused by weather events in 2023. The focus of this article is on the often-overlooked aspects of insurance related to land and potential complications arising from natural hazards.
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Medical incapacity of an employee is a challenge that demands a delicate balance between empathy and practicality.
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Medical incapacity of an employee

Medical incapacity of an employee is a challenge that demands a delicate balance between empathy and practicality. Determining when to draw the line on a long-term illness and how long to keep a job open for a sick employee is a challenging task shaped by case law intricacies. Employers are not expected to hold a position indefinitely but they must follow a fair process before terminating an employee’s employment.
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Financial Advisers Must Comply With new Code of Professional Conduct From mid-2020

Financial Advisers Must Comply With new Code of Professional Conduct From mid-2020

Written by:
Andrew Knight
The Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has released the content of a new Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services that should come into effect in mid-2020. The Code will require those persons who provide regulated financial advice to retail clients to meet certain standards of professional conduct, and will follow the commencement of the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Act 2019 ("FSLA").
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Heavy Fines Given to Retailers for Misleading Consumers

Heavy Fines Given to Retailers for Misleading Consumers

Written by:
Andrew Knight
Recent decisions of the District Court highlight the need for businesses to adhere to the Fair Trading Act 1986 ("FTA") and not mislead their customers, particularly if their customers are 'consumers' under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 ("CGA"). Both decisions involved prosecutions by the Commerce Commission against high profile retailers and resulted in substantial fines being awarded against these retailers.
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GDPR Compliance for New Zealand Businesses

GDPR Compliance for New Zealand Businesses

Written by:
Andrew Knight
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on 25 May 2018. Even though this is a European Union regulation, it potentially has significant implications for New Zealand businesses. Technology has enabled New Zealand businesses to operate on a truly global scale and businesses collect, process and use data from all corners of the world.
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If Technology is Your Business, Protect It

If Technology is Your Business, Protect It

Written by:
Andrew Knight
Many modern businesses consist primarily of technology in the form of intellectual property. Although they may own physical assets and employ staff (though they are more likely to be engaged as contractors) the real value in the business sits almost wholly in the intellectual property developed.
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From 6 May 2019 Infringement Offence For Employers Not to Have Individual Employment Agreements Recorded in Writing

From 6 May 2019 Infringement Offence For Employers Not to Have Individual Employment Agreements Recorded in Writing

Written by:
Craig Andrews
From 6 May 2019 employers who have failed to record their individual employment agreements in writing will be liable for an infringement offence under the Employment Relations (Infringement Offences) Regulations 2019.
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Domestic Violence - Victims' Protection Act 2018 - Rights and Obligations

Domestic Violence - Victims' Protection Act 2018 - Rights and Obligations

Written by:
Craig Andrews
The Domestic Violence - Victims' Protection Act will come into effect on 1 April 2019. The legislation aims to enhance legal protections in the workplace for people affected by domestic violence by helping victims to stay employed and addressing discrimination stemming from domestic violence in the workplace. The Act brings a normally private matter into the working domain.
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Applying for a Protection Order

Applying for a Protection Order

Written by:
Peter Fuscic
When you apply for a Protection Order you are applying to be protected from violence and harm caused by another person to you. To qualify you must be or have been in a domestic relationship with the violent person ("the respondent"): ie have been in a close and personal relationship, are the parents of, related to through blood or marriage, etc.
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Wills

Wills

Written by:
Alissa Bell
Planning Ahead: Need to make a Will even if you don't think you do?" But I don't have any assets yet" is a common response when making a Will is suggested to twenty-somethings. There is a misconception, among young people in particular, that in order to make a Will, you should have already built up a sizeable asset base. While you may not own a home or have a large un-cracked nest egg, you will almost certainly have a number of assets to protect, including:
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More Than a Stork Drop - Adopting a Child in New Zealand

More Than a Stork Drop - Adopting a Child in New Zealand

Written by:
Alissa Bell
If you, or someone you know, are hoping to adopt a bundle of joy into the family, there is, of course, more to the process than a fly-by stork drop. The Adoption Act 1955 sets out each step to becoming an adopted child's legal guardian.
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Employment Relations Amendment Act 2018

Employment Relations Amendment Act 2018

Written by:
James Turner
Employment law can be a bit of a "political football", and with each new government one may expect changes to the Employment Relations Act 2000 ("Act"). Honouring that tradition, the new Labour and NZ First Government passed the Employment Relations Amendment Act 2018 on 5 December 2018. The Amendment Act strengthens union and employee rights at the expense of employer rights, including abolishing use of the 90-day trial period by employers with 20 or more employees.
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