Blockchain technology
While there’s been a lot of hype around cryptocurrencies, it’s the underlying blockchain technology that has the potential to solve real business problems, particularly here in New Zealand.
Retirement village life
New Zealand’s ageing population has created a boom for retirement villages, with record numbers being developed. For many looking to retire or slow down, retirement village living is attractive – and it’s not hard to see why.
AML now in force
From 1 July 2018 all law firms must comply with the requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009...
What if your parents die broke?
What happens when your parents die broke? Can you inherit their debt?
Questions you shouldn’t ask
Job interviews can be a challenge for both employers and applicants. We look at what you can and cannot ask...
How old do you have to be?
As lawyers, we’re often asked the legal age for a variety of things such as agreeing to medical treatment, making a will and so on...
Regulating stock movements
The Ministry of Primary Industries is working hard with farmers to control and eradicate Mycoplasma bovis, by regulating stock movements. Here's what you need to know.
What is a 'social enterprise'?
A trending term in the business world over the last year is ‘social enterprise’. What is a social enterprise, and why does it matter?
Food Act 2014
All food businesses must register with MPI, under the Food Act 2014. Check the dates for registration here.
Economic disparity at the end of a relationship
A large number of relationships still follow the ‘traditional’ practice of having one party act as the ‘homemaker’, while the other acts as the ‘breadwinner’- so what happens if the relationship breaks up?
Stay safe this summer
With the Christmas holidays coming up, we want to remind you about keeping safe this summer – on the roads and in the pool, and to reinforce the message about not serving alcohol to people who are not yet 18 years old...>
Blended families: Wills and Trusts
Making sure everyone you care about gets a fair share of your property after you die is an issue most of us grapple with. This may also have additional complications when you have a blended family. It’s not always as easy as just writing your Will and specifying who gets what... >
Privacy in the workplace
In a world where technology is becoming more prevalent, it’s easy to feel that privacy rights are a thing of the past. Privacy breaches are becoming increasingly common given developments in technology and social media...
Contract and Commercial Law Act
With the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 coming into force on 1 September 2017, you should review your standard form business contracts to ensure they will be up-to-date. >
Help for first home buyers
It’s every Kiwi’s dream to own their own quarter-acre share of paradise, but it’s becoming harder than ever before. How can you help? >
Relationship property: the Clayton case
The implications of the Clayton case a year on - has it really exposed trusts in relationship property situations? >
Enduring powers of attorney sort out
Having an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is as vital as making sure you have a Will. Whether you’re 18 or 80 years old, you never know when you may need to have a responsible person to make decisions on your behalf. >
Up in the air: using your drone
The use of drones is no longer limited to government agencies, technical gurus or the super wealthy. These high-tech pieces of equipment are, however, bound by Civil Aviation Rules. In this article, we explore what rules there are around their use. >
Our news / autumn
Congratulations to Jamie Barr, who became our newest partner on 1 April. Jamie specialises in business law and has particular expertise in business structuring and shareholder arrangements... >
Disputes Tribunal DIY
If you have a claim of up to $15,000 – the Disputes Tribunal provides a simple, cost-effective way of dealing with civil disputes. We outline below the basics of what you need to know to make a claim. >
Buying off the plans
If you live in one of New Zealand’s cities, it’s likely that you’ve noticed a multitude of brand-new apartments, terraces, and town houses popping up in your area. >
Rural fires
Every year the New Zealand Fire Service and National Rural Fire Authority battle fires all over New Zealand, which begs the question – Who pays for this? >
Public photography
A young Kiwi woman had her photograph circulated around the globe after a journalist photographed her antics at the races. How private is private when taking photos in a public place? >
Our news / summer
Knowing your credit score; and New pool fencing law comes into force on 1 January 2017. >
Children and holiday care disputes
In 2014, the law governing parenting disputes between separated parents was amended. Find out how this new regime applies to ‘semi-urgent’ cases dealing with parenting disputes around Christmas holiday care arrangements... >
Courtroom name supression
Most of us prick up our ears when hearing that someone has been granted name suppression. This article explores the principles behind name suppression and why some people are granted this, and why others are refused. >
Letting your holiday home
Whether you are currently letting your property for short-term visitor accommodation yourself or via the likes of Airbnb or BookaBach, or are considering doing so, we recommend that you give some thought to the following matters. >
Employment agreements
Do all your Employees have Employment Agreements, and do they comply? A recent report from Statistics New Zealand suggests that nearly 1 in 10 employees do not have a written employment agreement. >