Insights & Articles

Interesting insights on various areas of New Zealand law for individuals and businesses alike.
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Covid vaccines for children is a complex issue with health, culture, separated parents, and other factors. Who makes the decision? Ask an Auckland family lawyer
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To Vaccinate or Not: Parental Decisions About Paediatric Covid-19 Vaccination

Parents have the mutual goal of wanting the best for their child. Naturally, there are disagreements as to what "the best" means. A notably difficult decision has arisen in recent years for parents about whether or not their child is going to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. This is a guardianship issue in family law.
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The Green List - NZ's post-Covid overseas staffing options. Can you hire offshore labour for your business? Auckland immigration lawyer gives the answer here.
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The New Zealand immigration Green List - green for go?

In 2020, while the entire world was distressed about Covid-19 and borders were closing, Immigration New Zealand ("INZ") decided to close the tap on skilled migration. A decision was made to suspend the selection of expressions of interest (also known as EOI). The selections normally occurred on a fortnightly basis and would result in a selected candidate receiving an Invitation to Apply for Residence under the Skilled Migrant Category. The suspension remains in place at the time of this article.
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Employers have big problems with staffing. Labour shortages and retention are big issues. An Auckland employment lawyer ahs tips on how to achieve both. Click
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The Great Resignation

You will likely have heard the term "The Great Resignation". Over the last few months we have had a number of clients approach us for ideas and wanting to know how they can set their organisation apart from others in order to retain staff.
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Small Business Contracts and Unfair Terms - It's Time to Review Your Contracts!
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Small Business Contracts and Unfair Terms - It's Time to Review Your Contracts!

The Fair Trading Amendment Act 2021 ("Amendment Act") has made recent amendments of the Fair Trading Act 1986 with some terms being extended to small business contracts that will come into force on 16 August 2022.
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Do you need skilled staff from overseas? A new Accredited Employer Work Visa may help. We are holding a seminar on June 14 to explain more. Click here.
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Accredited Employer Work Visa - the new visa and what you need to know

Significant changes are coming to the immigration sector in New Zealand, which will have major repercussions on employers who are intending to hire migrants to work in New Zealand. The Accredited Employer Work Visa ("AEWV") is a new temporary work visa being introduced on 4 July 2022. This new visa is one step in the Government's five step plan for reconnecting New Zealand to the world after the Covid-19 pandemic.
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An employer with any number of staff can use a Probationary Period to assess people. You must meet specific criteria to avoid breaking the law. Find out here.
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Probationary Periods

Should we include a probationary period in the employment agreement? As per our previous article, "90 Day Trial Periods", if you have 20 or more employees you cannot include a trial period in an employment agreement, as an alternative, many employers choose to include a probationary period.
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90-Day Trial Periods are for SMEs. They seem simple but there is complexity within the Act. It is easier to break the law than you might think. Click here.
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90 Day Trial Periods

Should we include a trial period in the employment agreement? A trial period is a tool that can be used by employers to find out if an employee is suitable for a role. During the trial period, an employer can dismiss the employee and the employee cannot raise a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal, so long as the trial period is valid. Trial periods if used correctly, are a great tool for employers. However, trial periods are often challenged, so it is essential employers know when to use them and what is required.
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The Fair Pay Agreement Bill will have far-reaching effects on employers and staff across some industry groups. Find out if your sector is affected. Click here.
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The Fair Pay Agreements Bill - What to Expect

On 29 March 2022, Parliament introduced the Fair Pay Agreement Bill ("the Bill") coined to the "biggest shakeup to workplaces in generation coming from government". The Bill has recently passed its first reading. Despite this, a number of people have expressed their reservations with the newly proposed system such as National Party's Paul Goldsmith stating that the Bill may make New Zealand less internationally competitive and add pressure to already stressed businesses.
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As Covid levels and restrictions change, some ongoing issues for employers managing staff and the workplace in general - Auckland employment lawyer. Click here
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Managing the Workplace in the Face of Covid-19

New Zealand is now well and truly in the next stage of its strategy in responding to the Covid-19 global pandemic - learning to live with Covid-19, specifically the Omicron variant, in the community. This will see employers facing a number of new challenges, including the management of large numbers of absences in the workplace and coping with flexible working arrangements.
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The proposed Income Insurance Scheme will have effects for employees and employers. See how you might be affected - Auckland employment lawyer. Click here
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The Proposed Income Insurance Scheme

Last week the New Zealand Government, supported by Business New Zealand and the Council of Trade Unions ("NZCTU"), released a proposal on an income insurance scheme ("the scheme") – one of its biggest reforms since the introduction of ACC in the 1970s. McVeagh Fleming's employment team have summarised the 'need to know' information.
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The Fair Trading Act was been reformed to affect standard form consumer, and small contracts, less than $250k. Do your contracts comply? Click here for details
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Amendments to the Fair Trading Act for Small Trade Contracts

The Fair Trading Amendment Act 2021 - The Fair Trading Amendment Act 2021 ("Amendment Act") was enacted on 16 August 2021. It introduces changes to the Fair Trading Act 1986 ("Act"), some of which have come into effect and others which will come into effect on 16 August 2022.
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Intellectual Property can be a big asset for your business. How do you protect your commercial IP from theft? Click here or call 09 377 9966 for more details.
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Capture and Commercialise - Commercial Exploitation of Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual Property is an asset that has the potential to be more valuable to your business than tangible business assets and should be protected as much as possible. A famous trade mark or a market leading patent may be of far greater value to a company than its physical assets.
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Closing down over Christmas and managing annual leave

Closing down over Christmas and managing annual leave

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
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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Is your property adequately insured?

Is your property adequately insured?

Written by:
Paul Foster
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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Incorporated societies: Key changes and compliance

Incorporated societies: Key changes and compliance

With approximately 24,000 incorporated societies in New Zealand, ranging from substantial business-like entities to modest sporting clubs, the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 ("New Act") influence is far-reaching. Regardless of size, all incorporated societies will be affected, so it is crucial to understand and prepare for the implications of the New Act to avoid potential consequences for non-compliance.
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Second-Tier Lending: Understanding the Fine Print

Second-Tier Lending: Understanding the Fine Print

Written by:
Hamish Coupe
In today's financial landscape, banks are tightening their lending requirements, prompting many buyers to explore alternative options like second-tier lending. Mezzanine financers and other last-resort money lenders can provide vital financial support, but it's crucial to approach these agreements with caution and a clear understanding of the fine print. After all, surprises are for birthdays, not loan agreements!
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Medical incapacity of an employee

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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The importance of Prenuptial Agreements has increased

The importance of Prenuptial Agreements has increased

Written by:
Peter Fuscic
Protecting assets has become an integral aspect of modern relationships, with the growing importance of prenuptial agreements for safeguarding individual interests. In June 2023, the New Zealand Supreme Court issued a significant ruling in the case of Sutton v Bell, which centered on Sections 44 and 26 of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 ("PRA"). This decision marks a pivotal shift in the interpretation of key legal provisions governing property rights in relationships.
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Buyer Beware: The Limitations of Agent-Provided LIMs

Buyer Beware: The Limitations of Agent-Provided LIMs

Obtaining a LIM is a crucial step for prospective property buyers, but with the cost of a LIM being around $400 and with many real estate agents offering LIMs at no cost, it can be tempting to rely on their convenient provision. However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential limitations that may come with an agent-provided LIM.
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Family Business & Succession Wars!

Family Business & Succession Wars!

Written by:
Taufil Omar
Succession, once a straightforward process, is now akin to navigating a minefield. With children seeking to cash in on their beneficial interests or shareholdings to fuel their own ventures, the need for careful consideration and expert advice has never been greater.
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The Impact of the Upcoming Election on Employment Law in New Zealand

The Impact of the Upcoming Election on Employment Law in New Zealand

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
& Gus Hardie Boys
We are fast approaching New Zealand's General Election, and the nation's political parties have hit the campaign trail with their visions for the country. Changes are expected not only in the political sphere but also in employment and workplace relations. This article discusses the political parties' campaign promises and provides an overview of some of the parties' plans for the future, with a note that the list is not exhaustive
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Insurance when buying a home

Insurance when buying a home

Written by:
Taufil Omar
The significance of insurance in the context of purchasing a home cannot be overstated. It is not only a critical component but also a mandatory one when seeking financial assistance from lenders for a home purchase. Lenders need proof of adequate and appropriate insurance coverage before approving a loan drawdown.
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