Employment: Trial vs. probationary periods - what is the difference?
Trial and probationary periods look very similar and are used for similar reasons but they are fundamentally different. Probationary periods Section 67 of the Employment Relations Act 2000 (“the Act”) provides that a probationary period must be specified ...
Nov 24, 2021
Brawling on and off-site – the costly effect of finger-pointing between trades
The judge said: “He seemed to me to be an old-fashioned builder who found the defendant – as a professional, assertive woman – rather difficult to deal with when things were not going well and, as a consequence, tended to avoid doing so.” The use of the ...
Nov 16, 2021
Case Study: Minimum wage impacts on workers in lockdown
At times it feels like a distant memory, but for some people, the battle over lost wages from Covid-19 lockdowns has continued long after the country felt it was getting back to normal…the first time. One such case came about during New Zealand’s first ...
Nov 15, 2021
Buyer beware when you're buying off the plans
Buying off-the-plans is becoming increasingly popular as buyers see the benefit in new builds which comply with the latest healthy home regulations, attract lower mortgage rates, and which enjoy certain tax benefits (for more information see our previous ...
Nov 2, 2021
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Resource Management Changes and Intensified Development - Do you want a land covenant?
Recently we wrote about the proposed changes to the Resource Management Act: this is expected to permit intensified developments across much of New Zealand. Land covenants can act as a barrier to future development. If you are thinking of subdividing and ...
Oct 28, 2021
October 2021 Changes to Resource Management in Main Centres
New Zealand’s housing crisis is a well-worn topic of discussion and debate. In the most significant legislative move to date to address this issue, on the 19th of October 2021 the Government introduced the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and ...
Oct 26, 2021
Masterton office relocation
Exciting times for our Masterton office, as our Chapel Street premises are refurbished. We have moved to 40 Perry Street for the duration of the refit. We look forward to seeing you in our new temporary premises soon. All of our contact details remain ...
Oct 2, 2021
We have opportunities, we need to maximise these and intellectual property is no exception
I wish that I had bought shares last year in a ventilator company, a breathing mask company, a hand sanitiser company, and a toilet paper company. Although, what is everyone going to do with the hoardings of toilet paper? Unless COVID-19 has some sort of ...
Sep 8, 2021
Who pays for repairs and maintenance in a unit title development?
Do you live in an apartment or unit and pay body corporate fees? Who do you think should be paying for repairs and maintenance? Under the Unit Titles Act 2010, a body corporate is required to repair and maintain common property and all building elements ...
Sep 8, 2021
Rent disputes. Is there a cost-effective resolution?
You want me to discount your lease payments? Say again! A landlord might earn kudos and a devoted tenant by reducing your rent for a lockdown period but are you legally entitled to a reduction? Most leases are in the Auckland District Law Society (ADLS) ...
Sep 8, 2021
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Thinking of subdividing to pay off the mortgage?
For a number of my clients subdividing off part of their land is a successful formula for reducing their debt but there’s not one of them that steps back from the process and says “wow, that was easy…” It’s not that the process is difficult, it’s just ...
Sep 5, 2021
COVID-19 How your business can weather the storm (updated)
25 August 2021 Is your business feeling the immediate effects of COVID-19 on your livelihood? What are your options and what can you do? It may not be easy, but it’ll be worth it. If you’re after a friendly ear, we can help. Give us a call or drop us an ...
Aug 26, 2021
COVID-19: Property Transactions Under Alert Level 4
25 August 2021 The recent elevation to Covid-19 alert level four ("level 4") means there are difficulties with many property transactions around New Zealand going ahead. If you’re worried about your settlement, here’s some advice that may help. If you ...
Aug 24, 2021
No Jab, No Job?
Updated 24 August 2021 With the arrival of the covid-19 vaccine into New Zealand, some employers are asking whether they can require employees to be vaccinated. We’ve put together some helpful questions and answers about the vaccine and employment ...
Aug 23, 2021
Do I need a Will?
You don’t need a Will right? Are you sure? Preparing a will, or even having a conversation with your loved ones about writing a will, is hardly something that you can just throw into conversation while you peel the spuds at dinner time. Dying can be a ...
Aug 2, 2021
Healthy Homes Standards – Getting it right
Landlords just cannot catch a break at the moment. First, the notice periods for termination of leases increases and the right to terminate a tenancy without reason is removed. Next, the government brings in changes to the interest deductibility rules ...
Jul 29, 2021
Fixed Term Tenancies - is a fixed term really a fixed term?
Fixed term tenancies in light of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020 – is a fixed term really a fixed term? History of the Act As its name suggests, the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (the Act) serves to outline the rights of landlords and ...
Jul 22, 2021
Residential Care Subsidies - A Guide
A move to residential care is often brought about by factors outside the control of those involved. It can be a stressful and difficult time and the added prospect of expensive care fees can seem overwhelming. You or your loved one may be eligible for a ...
Jul 5, 2021