Insights & Articles

Interesting insights on various areas of New Zealand law for individuals and businesses alike.
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Legislative gap leaves New Zealand exposed to deepfakes. The march of technology means almost anyone can create deepfakes, often
in a matter of minutes.
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Legislative gap leaves New Zealand exposed to deepfakes

Legislative gap leaves New Zealand exposed to deepfakes. The march of technology means almost anyone can create deepfakes, often in a matter of minutes.
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After separation, one partner may need financial support while they transition to becoming financially independent.
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Maintenance after the end of a relationship

After separation, one partner may need financial support while they transition to becoming financially independent. Spousal maintenance is separate from child support payments as its focus is on supporting an adult party rather than supporting any children. If a party has made an application for spousal maintenance, they can apply to receive interim maintenance urgently from the other party, to assist them financially in the interim while the final spousal maintenance proceedings are being settled.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The risks of providing a guarantee

The risks of providing a guarantee

Written by:
Hamish Coupe
Shannon Lawrence
Providing a guarantee for someone else’s financial commitments can expose you to serious legal and financial risks. Before agreeing, ensure you understand the potential consequences - especially if you won’t directly benefit or lack full visibility and control over the obligation.
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Active Investor Plus Visa – Announced changes

Active Investor Plus Visa – Announced changes

Written by:
Arran Hunt
On 9 February 2025, the Prime Minister announced changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa (AIPV) category, a visa type created to attract wealthy migrants to consider moving to New Zealand. Such visas have existed since at least 2010, but the government has seen the need to change it.
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Deck the halls, not the paperwork: Legal help for holiday travel

Deck the halls, not the paperwork: Legal help for holiday travel

If you're traveling to New Zealand to visit loved ones this holiday season and need a visa, consider engaging a lawyer to avoid delays or complications. Many travelers rely on third-party agencies for their applications, but this often leads to costly mistakes. To help you navigate the process smoothly, we’ve prepared a guide to ensure everything is handled correctly from the start.
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Seventh Edition Deed of Lease: Key updates

Seventh Edition Deed of Lease: Key updates

Written by:
Brandon Cullen
Shannon Lawrence
If you work in the commercial property sector - involving retail shops, office buildings, industrial facilities, or hospitality venues - you’ll want to know about the latest updates to the ADLS Deed of Lease ('DOL'). Released on 27 November 2024, the Seventh Edition introduces significant changes to reflect the evolving commercial landscape of the past decade.
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How do you get divorced in New Zealand?

How do you get divorced in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, to legally end your marriage or civil union (divorce), you must apply to the Family Court for a Dissolution Order. Until a final order dissolving a marriage or civil union has taken effect, parties to a marriage or civil union cannot enter into another marriage or civil union.
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6 tips for Partnership Visa Applications

6 tips for Partnership Visa Applications

The financial and emotional costs associated with visa applications make the stakes high. So, to help you navigate the process, we’ve compiled our top six tips for applying for partnership-based visas.
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Immigration changes to help those buying a business

Immigration changes to help those buying a business

Written by:
Arran Hunt
In a welcome move for business owners, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has revised its policies to make it easier for those buying businesses to keep their existing workforce. From 6 November 2024, this change will streamline the process for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders, reducing delays and red tape that previously made it difficult for new business owners to retain valued migrant staff.
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A Donkey, an Elephant, or New Zealand

A Donkey, an Elephant, or New Zealand

Written by:
Arran Hunt
There is no doubt that 5 November 2024 will lead to someone being appointed as the most powerful person in the world. While we won't be trying to assume who will win, we do know that, on that day, about half of the population in the USA is likely to be disappointed with the result. That is why we wanted to raise a third option. We'll cover a few differences that people may experience by moving to New Zealand, as well as some of the immigration options that may be open to you.
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I was excluded from a Will, what can I do?

I was excluded from a Will, what can I do?

If one of your loved ones has left you out of their Will or you believe that their Will is unfair or their Will did not adequately provide for you, you may be able to make a claim under the Family Protection Act 1955 (the FPA) against their estate.
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Land covenants: the ability to amend to reflect modern developments

Land covenants: the ability to amend to reflect modern developments

This article explores the legal principles surrounding land covenants, focusing on a case where a developer sought to modify a land covenant that restricted the number of dwellings on their property. The Court ultimately agreed to modify the covenant, determining that no substantial injury would result to neighboring property owners and the change reflected modern development demands.
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