Parliament Addresses Director Safety Concerns on legal and legislative changes.
For many retail business owners and directors, the requirement to publicly list a residential address on the New Zealand Companies Register has created ongoing privacy and safety concerns. The Companies (Address Information) Amendment Act 2025 (“the Act”) was passed on 18 November 2025 and introduces new privacy protections for company directors. The Act will come […]
Major Overhaul of the Fair Trading Act: What the New Penalties Mean for Retailers
The Government has announced substantial reforms to the Fair Trading Act (“FTA”), with a bill expected to be introduced to Parliament next year. While supermarkets have been specifically referenced as a focus point of the amendments, following multiple supermarkets pleading guilty to FTA offences earlier this year, these changes will apply to all businesses. Major […]
From Joyride to Judgment: Supreme Court Rules Drivers Are Employees
The Supreme Court has confirmed that four Uber drivers are employees, not independent contractors, of the ride-share giant. However, for the many workers who have filed challenges to their employment status pending the outcome of this decision, the upcoming legislative changes will likely see the brakes pulled. Although the case relates to the gig-economy, the […]
Shake Up of Earthquake-Prone Building System: What It Means for Commercial Property
In September 2025, the Government announced a series of proposed changes to New Zealand’s earthquake-prone building (EPB) system under the Building (Earthquake-Prone Building System Reform) Amendment Bill. The reforms aim to make the current EPB regime more risk-based and proportionate, reducing compliance costs while maintaining safety standards. Key proposed changes The Government has indicated several […]
GrabOne Liquidation: What Are Retailers’ Legal Obligations?
Global Marketplace New Zealand Limited (“GMNZ”), which operated GrabOne, has been put into liquidation. GMNZ’s liquidators have said the company is not in a position to provide refunds to consumers with unredeemed vouchers. What, then, are a retailer’s rights and obligations when approached by a consumer with an unredeemed GrabOne voucher for the retailer’s business? […]
Managing Medical Incapacity in the Workplace
A Guide for Retail Employers In retail, staff absences can have an immediate impact on customer service, rosters, and team morale. Prolonged employee absences due to illness or injury present legal and operational challenges. In cases where there is uncertainty about whether an employee can return to work, employers may need to assess whether the […]
Advice for surviving the challenges facing Wellington business owners
High inflation, labour shortages and a cost-of-living crisis have all conspired to create an economic recipe for disaster for many businesses across New Zealand. Recently, this struggle has perhaps been felt most acutely by Wellington business owners, with concerns voiced over reduced inner-city foot traffic and ongoing roadworks. These concerns come around the same time […]