"Generational Reform" proposal
Sweeping changes have been proposed to the way civil litigation is practiced in New Zealand. The proposed changes by the Rules Committee to civil procedure in the High Court, District... >
Cyber security 101 for business
You arrive at work to find that files with sensitive commercial and client information held on your computers have been hacked. This is the situation the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) found itself in earlier this year.
Directorships mean significant obligations
The court clearly spelt out that in insolvency...it is not acceptable to simply try to ‘trade through’... directors must ensure they use the formal (or informal) mechanisms provided in the Companies Act 1993 to address the company’s financial predicament.
Holiday houses
Many Kiwis will be looking to rent a holiday home for the traditional summer holiday this year... Whether you own a holiday home and are looking for some extra income, or you want to rent a place for the whānau Christmas, there are a few things to remember.
Building a fence in town
As the daylight hours extend, so too does the list of summer jobs that have been building up over the past year. On that list for many will be replacing those rickety old boundary fences that surround your house. Before you rip them all down, we have a case study that clarifies why it’s so important not to rush.
Covid Commercial Rent Disputes
Subsidised arbitration and mediation services are now available to commercial tenants and landlords of small to medium-sized businesses that have been unable to agree upon rent reductions during Covid-19 alert levels 3 and 4.
Remaining en-garde - your fencing rights
Whether you are looking at putting up a new boundary fence, repairing an existing one or have concerns about what your neighbour plans to do with an existing fence, the Fencing Act 1978 (Act) may be able to step in ...>
Raising the Roof on Construction Contracts
The Act creates a payment regime focused on regular and timely payments allowing for steady cashflow between parties. ...>
Leaf my property alone!
Did you know, as an owner or occupier of land, you are not responsible for damage to your neighbour's land caused by "natural agencies".
Business Briefs
Is your business infringing existing intellectual property rights? Do your homework...
Trustees’ liability for litigation costs
Trustees and executors are not always entitled to reimbursement for their litigation costs...
Option A or Option B?
When your spouse or partner dies you will need to make a very important decision between your entitlements under their will and potential claims against their estate...
Tenants not paying up?
Renting out residential property is a great way to make some extra money, pay your mortgage off faster and build an investment nest egg. It can cause real frustration, however, when your tenant fails to pay rent on time. What are your rights when your tenants don’t pay up? >
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. >
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? >
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. >
Director duties
The Court of Appeal recently revisited the all-important question of how far must directors go to ‘take all reasonable and proper steps’ when making decisions on behalf of a company. How far is far enough? >
Beneficiaries' and trust information
The extent of a trustee’s obligation to provide information to beneficiaries has been a continuing source of frustration for trustees, particularly those whose discretionary decisions may be challenged. Recently the Court of Appeal clarified the nature and extent of this ... >