COVID relief roundup
Since the pandemic arrived on our shores, the government has made available multiple types of financial relief; more than one may be available to your business.
OIO temporary emergency notification
In June, the OIO enacted a change that now requires all overseas purchasers of New Zealand business assets to submit a notification to the OIO before the transaction takes place.
Business briefs
The Privacy Act 2020 was passed on 30 June 2020 and comes into force on 1 December 2020.
The Wellbeing Budget 2020
Employing staff is never a simple process. Finding people with the right skills and personality to fit into your team can be challenging.
Government’s COVID-19 wage subsidy
Employing staff is never a simple process. Finding people with the right skills and personality to fit into your team can be challenging.
Business Briefs
Employing staff is never a simple process. Finding people with the right skills and personality to fit into your team can be challenging.
Employing people with a past
Employing staff is never a simple process. Finding people with the right skills and personality to fit into your team can be challenging.
Restraint of trade clauses
Restraint of trade clauses are common in the sale and purchase of a business and in some employment agreements.
Business Briefs
Eminem - importance of IP indemnities in agreements / Mainzeal directors' appeal denied / Federated Farmers wants tougher labelling on plant-based products / New regulations impose licensing regime for insolvency practitioners.
The Wellbeing Budget 2019
The wider economy was looked after with increases in funding to KiwiRail, the establishment of a new venture capital fund, investment in science and research, and so on
PPSR lease losses
When the PPSR was established in 1999, most businesses were quick to catch on that it was a good idea to register security over goods that were sold under a line of credit. What wasn’t so easily recognised is that the register was designed to also capture leases of goods that are indefinite or extend past one year.
Business Briefs
Directors have personal liability for company debt in liquidation / Electronic signatures – uses and risks / The Tax Working Group: recommendations coming soon
Construction industry & its retentions scheme
High Court provides useful guidance for subcontractors
Business Briefs
Directors have personal liability for company debt in liquidation / Electronic signatures – uses and risks / The Tax Working Group: recommendations coming soon
Business Briefs
European Union: privacy law update / Commerce Commission action in respect of extended warranties / Workplace culture crackdown
Receivership of construction companies
Ebert Construction’s recent receivership is a reminder that not taking protective measures opens subcontractors up to recovery and enforcement issues.
Second thoughts
What happens when your employee wants to retract their resignation?
Business Briefs
Is your business infringing existing intellectual property rights? Do your homework...
Compensation for hurt and humiliation
Employers now, more than ever, need to treat their employees properly to ensure they do not face significant compensation awards for personal grievance claims.
A no surprises Budget
There are few surprises in the government’s 2018 Budget presented on 17 May, the first from Minister of Finance, the Hon Grant Robertson.
Flurry of employment law changes ahead
We outline the upcoming changes, announced on 25 January...
Great, you've found a business to buy
Looking to purchase a business? We can help!
Business Briefs
Website privacy, amendments to cartel laws, health and safety fines, multinational tax legislation...
Recovering undisputed debts
Often creditors are left wondering what happens if a debtor doesn't pay an undisputed debt. Find out how the court can assist you in recovering an undisputed civil debt...>
Business briefs
Employment (Pay Equity and Equal Pay) Bill - What could this mean for your business and employees? / Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 now in force - Make sure your business documents comply / Security Cameras - When does surveillance become an invasion of privacy? >
Budget 2017 overview
The pundits were right. The Minister of Finance, the Hon Steven Joyce, presented his first Budget on Thursday 25 May and it was definitely a ‘steady as she goes affair’ with few surprises. >
Business briefs
It will all come out in the wash: non-compliance with minimum employment standards; Further Takeovers Code relief on the way for small companies; and Employee share schemes, your time is up. >
Shareholders’ agreements
Not all relationships were built to last forever, and even the most stable relationship amongst shareholders may waver. Issues may also arise unexpectedly, such as the death of a shareholder or... >
Business briefs
OIO changes to streamline the investing and consenting processes; and Limited partnerships become popular. >
Lender credit responsibility
Changes to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 brings greater focus on lender responsibility. >
Kaikoura earthquake
The Kaikoura earthquake was another reminder of the volatile and unpredictable nature of our land. We set out some guidance on points if you own, or are a tenant in, a commercial building potentially affected by earthquake damage. >
Business briefs
Alert: Put a start date on your employment contracts; Employee share scheme tax update; An unsettling agreement; and When does a director ‘live in New Zealand’? >
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? >
Changes to construction law
The Construction Contracts Act 2002 (CCA) sets out a number of duties and obligations on both those commissioning building work, and those undertaking it. >
Redundancy and restructuring - update
Employers need to take care when proposing to make employees redundant. The recent Court of Appeal decision in Grace Team Accounting v Brake has confirmed a growing body of cases with the courts putting restructuring and redundancy decisions under increased scrutiny. >