Insights & Articles

Interesting insights on various areas of New Zealand law for individuals and businesses alike.
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Auckland Debt Recovery Lawyer. A change in PPSR registration might affect you. Call 377 9966 for a no-obligation chat.
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Important Update in Respect of PPSR Registration

The Personal Property Securities Amendment Regulations 2018 will come into force on 1 October 2018 and make a number of technical amendments to the Personal property Securities Regulations 2001.
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After a new court judgement, you must have employee incentive schemes and holiday pay calculations checked. Talk to an Auckland employment lawyer to be safe.
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Implications for Incentive Payments/Bonuses

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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Auckland Intellectual Property Lawyer. IT can be easy to replicate so you need to protect your IP. Call 377 9966 for a no-obligation chat.
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If Technology is Your Business, Protect It

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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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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Auckland Estate Lawyer. Promises made prior to death can be enforced under certain conditions. Call 377 9966 for a no-obligation chat.
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How Much is a Promise Worth? What You Need to Know About the Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949

The situation seems simple. A promise is made (by the "promisor") to someone (the "promisee"), that they will be rewarded in the promisor's Will for work or services carried out. Time passes, and the (now deceased) promisor has failed to follow through on their promise, leaving no such reward (or less than what was promised) in their Will. The promisee can then claim against the deceased's estate for the remuneration that was promised to them. Such claim is made under the Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949.
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Auckland lawyers; Courts are an essential service in Covid-19 so what will be heard and how can you attend court? This article explains.
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How are the Courts Operating During the Covid-19 Lockdown?

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Right Honourable Helen Winkelmann, has assured the legal profession and members of the public that the Courts will be operational during all Covid-19 alert levels, including lockdown during alert level 4: "Courts are an essential service. New Zealand courts must continue to uphold the rule of law and to ensure that fair trial rights, the right to natural justice and rights under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act are upheld."
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Auckland Property Lawyer. Get legal advice on a House & Land Purchase Package before you sign. Call 377 9966 for a no-obligation chat.
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House and Land Package Purchase Issues

Buying a new build "House and Land" package has become a popular option for many first home buyers. It can involve a deposit lower than 20% of purchase price (depending on finance), and means you have the time it takes to build to keep saving towards the purchase of your new home.
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A court decision found the early Covid lockdown was unlawful. Businesses might be able to pursue losses for the first 9 days. Call an Auckland dispute Lawyer.
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High Court Finds Level 4 'Lockdown' Unlawful for First Nine Days, Considers Lawfulness of Non-Essential Business Closures

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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Consumer Affairs Lawyer, Retailers Fined, Misleading Claims. Protect yourself and do not fall foul of the law. Seek advice. Call 377 9966 for a chat.
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Heavy Fines Given to Retailers for Misleading Consumers

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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Consumer credit lawyer Auckland, Manukau. If you have hardship payments issues in Covid-19 you can apply to your lender for help. Click to see if you can apply
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Hardship - Consumer Credit Contracts Under a Covid-19 Related Lockdown

Section 55 of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 ("CCCFA") provides that a person who is unable reasonably, because of illness, injury loss of employment, the end of a relationship, or other reasonable cause, to meet their obligations under a consumer credit contract and who reasonably expects to be able to discharge their obligations if the terms of the contract were changed as provided for under the CCCFA may apply to a creditor to agree to that change. In the present Covid-19 lockdown, we expect these provisions to be tested and both debtors and creditors need to know their rights and responsibilities in these sorts of situations.
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Covid-19 brought new Health and Safety for the construction industry. Are you compiant? Call Auckland 377 9966, Manukau 262 0330, North Shore 415 4477
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Health and Safety Protocols for the Construction Industry - Covid-19 Alert Level 2

There is an important update on the health and safety requirements in the construction sector we wish to share with you if you have not yet been updated. Over the last few weeks, the situation with Covid-19 in New Zealand has noticeably improved. However, it is too soon to celebrate, and there is no room for complacency as we will still be under Covid-19 Alert Level 2, starting this Thursday 14 May 2020. It will remain critical, perhaps more than ever, for everyone in the construction industry to take all necessary steps to keep the virus under control until we are down to Alert Level 1.
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Has New Zealand Finally Been Ordered to Allow Freedom of Movement?
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Has New Zealand Finally Been Ordered to Allow Freedom of Movement?

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government issued the Covid-19 Public Health Response (Isolation and Quarantine) Order 2020 ("IQ Order") in September 2020. Most kiwis are well aware of the IQ Order, and understood it to mean that if we leave New Zealand, we will be required to self-isolate at a managed isolation facility for 14 days upon our return (until the announcement last week confirming a shortening of the managed isolation period for residents returning to NZ after 14 November 2021).
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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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Occupation rent after separation

Occupation rent after separation

Occupation rent is a legal mechanism that can come into play when a couple separates, and one person continues living in the family home while the other moves out. It is designed to ensure fairness, especially if the remaining party benefits from sole access to the home.
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What's hiding in the Terms of Trade? A Customer Perspective on GSAs

What's hiding in the Terms of Trade? A Customer Perspective on GSAs

Written by:
Hamish Coupe
When entering relationships with new suppliers, it’s essential to carefully review the terms of trade, especially if they include a General Security Agreement (GSA). While a GSA can offer credit benefits, it also carries significant risks, potentially leading to receivership if payment issues arise. Understanding these terms is crucial to protecting your business.
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Employee v Contractor Status Disputes – A New Law But Old Problems?

Employee v Contractor Status Disputes – A New Law But Old Problems?

The government has announced its plan to amend the Employment Relations Act 2000 by introducing a new legislative test that aims to prevent workers from challenging their status as an independent contractors and claiming that they are employees.
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Navigating mental capacity loss without Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA): What you need to know

Navigating mental capacity loss without Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA): What you need to know

Many people assume their family will automatically be able to make decisions for them if they lose mental capacity, but without Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) in place, that’s not the case. If you lose mental capacity without an EPA, decisions regarding your personal welfare or property must go through the Family Court.
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Legal due diligence when purchasing a boat

Legal due diligence when purchasing a boat

Written by:
Forrester Grant
When purchasing a boat, legal due diligence is crucial to ensure a smooth transaction and avoid potential pitfalls. This process primarily focuses on confirming that the seller has clear legal ownership of the vessel and that there are no hidden charges, such as mortgages or liens, which could surface after the purchase. In this article, we outline the key legal considerations to help buyers safeguard their investment.
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When contractors are actually employees – The Uber case and its implications

When contractors are actually employees – The Uber case and its implications

When engaging people as contractors, it's not just the contract label that matters — how the working relationship functions in practice is key. If a contractor is treated like an employee, with significant control exerted over their work and integration into the business, the contractor will 'at law' likely be an employee, and getting this classification wrong can be and often is expensive. Understanding and correctly applying the criteria is essential to avoid legal and financial repercussions.
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Relocation Disputes

Relocation Disputes

Written by:
Kiri Petrie
Niamh Forgie
Considering relocating with your child to a different city or country? It's essential to understand that such a move requires the consent of the other parent. The decision about where a child lives is a significant guardianship matter, and both parents must agree on it.
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Young onset dementia: how to get help and what needs to be in place

Young onset dementia: how to get help and what needs to be in place

Written by:
Fiona Faithfull
Fiona shares her deeply personal journey of caring for her mother, diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia at age 53. At just 29, Fiona navigated the challenges of supporting four generations under one roof, balancing the demands of new motherhood with caregiving responsibilities. She reflects on the emotional and financial strains, the importance of a support network, and the late diagnosis that left many questions unanswered. Fiona's story highlights the enduring power of maternal love and the resilience needed to face such profound life changes.
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