Why your free will may cost your family thousands
The old saying “You get what you pay for” generally rings true. It’s quite easy to find yourself a “free will” online now. Unfortunately in endeavouring to generate business a “free will” devalues one of the most important documents a person will ever ...
Jun 27, 2021
New Zealand Sick Leave Entitlements
Did you know that from 24th July 2021 sick leave entitlement increases from 5 to 10 days a year? Whether you’re an employee or employer, here’s some things you should know. The Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Act 2021 will come into force in ...
Jun 16, 2021
Sick Leave New Zealand
Whether you’re an employee or an employer, many people have had a time when they have needed sick leave. While most incidences of sick leave are by the book, there are some times that issues can arise. The commonly recurring sick leave issues that ...
Jun 15, 2021
New Tax Disclosure Obligations for Trustees
8 June 2021 Are you a trustee of a trust? Did you know additional information may need to be provided to the IRD with your next tax return? Trustees should be aware of a new requirement to provide additional information with their tax returns for the ...
Jun 7, 2021
Lost your licence? DUI | Limited Licence | Gibson Sheat Lawyers Wellington
If you have been disqualified from driving because of a traffic conviction or excess demerit points, you may be eligible to apply for a special licence or work licence, otherwise known as a limited licence. Gibson Sheat has obtained limited licences for ...
May 27, 2021
New Privacy Act – Do you know your obligations?
The Privacy Act 2020 (Act) came into force on 1 December 2020 and applies to any individuals, businesses, or organisations that collect personal information. If your business collects information from customers, suppliers or others, you should review ...
May 9, 2021
Coming soon to a Club near you – the new Incorporated Societies Bill
What is the new bill about? From the Taupō Mountain Bike Club to Deaf Aotearoa to the Lindis Pass Conservation Group, incorporated societies are said to “make a significant contribution to New Zealanders’ wellbeing.”[1] Over 113 years have passed since ...
Apr 27, 2021
Later life relationships
Later life relationships can be fulfilling and rewarding but may involve challenges from children and grandchildren specifically arising from expectations around inheritance. Children and finances appear to be the top two challenges that may keep a ...
Apr 15, 2021
Employment agreement essentials
An employment agreement is an essential document between the employer and the employee. They set up the fundamental terms and conditions of the employment relationship. Employers need to ensure they get the agreements right. All employment agreements ...
Mar 30, 2021
Residential Care Subsidy, Family Trusts and Deprivation of Assets and Income: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The Residential Care Subsidy If a person needs rest home or hospital care, and their assets are less than or equal to the applicable asset threshold[1], they may be eligible for a Residential Care Subsidy (RCS). The RCS helps with the cost of care. It is ...
Mar 13, 2021
Gibson Sheat welcomes a new partner
Gibson Sheat is thrilled to announce the addition of Malcolm Galloway to our partnership from 1 October 2020. Malcolm has spent the past decade as a partner in a central Wellington legal practice, and is looking forward to joining Gibson Sheat’s Lower ...
Sep 30, 2020
Thinking of subleasing? What you need to know
COVID-19 has forced a rapid acceleration in the existing trends shaping how we work. Working from home is becoming normal and businesses are reconsidering how much office space they really need to be fully operational. For some businesses, reducing ...
Aug 16, 2020
Investor Visa – A Pathway to NZ Permanent Residency
There has never been a better time to move to New Zealand!!! The investor visa is one way to realise your dream to live in New Zealand. If you’re fit & healthy, of good character, have funds to invest, and love the outdoors, then this article may be ...
Aug 13, 2020
Do you collect personal information?
As more and more businesses and organisations place greater reliance on digital and online services, the topic of ‘personal information’ and ‘privacy’ is becoming increasingly important. Personal information is any information that relates to an ...
Jul 7, 2020
COVID-19 – Claims for loss and expense due to slower working conditions?
24 April 2020 Working under the constraints of level 3 working conditions will likely slow the pace. That may mean that a further extension of time is required to the due date for completion. Although, I suspect if a project is near completion and ...
Apr 27, 2020
COVID-19 Hibernation and Safe Harbours – temporary relief from debts for companies but only if you can tick the right boxes
9 April 2020 Changes to the law are often a sleeping remedy for most readers, so, in what has become a time honoured tradition, meaningful soundbite phrases or words are used to make law changes more memorable. But the latest use of the evocative words ...
Apr 8, 2020
How does a body corporate react to covid-19? | Gibson Sheat Lawyers
This is the story of how Body Corporate Apartment X (BCAX) has responded to COVID-19. Other Bodies Corporate may find this useful in determining their own courses of action. My first experience of living in an apartment was in February 2020. Four weeks ...
Apr 7, 2020
COVID-19: Suspension costs – taking the pragmatic approach
1 April 2020 The first question on claiming suspension costs at the moment is to ask whether it is right - when everyone is suffering - to ‘throw in the kitchen sink’ in claiming delay costs when work starts again. This will no doubt be the subject of ...
Mar 31, 2020