Insights & Articles

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.

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.

The current 'lockdown' is unprecedented. In times like these your first priority is to ensure you take care of yourselves, friends and family. However, while it is important to protect those close to you, you should also give consideration to the protection of your assets. Accordingly, it may be an opportune time to review your current estate planning to ensure everything is 'as you would like' and, if you have a trust, to make sure that it aligns with the provisions of the Trusts Act 2019 ("the Act") which was enacted this year but comes into force at the beginning of 2021.