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? […]
To Suspend, or Not to Suspend: The Risks of Suspending Works
In the fast-paced world of construction, cash flow is king. But what happens when your client stops paying? Or they’re causing endless delays? For many contractors and subcontractors, the idea of suspending work seems like the obvious way to protect yourself. But pulling the pin too soon can backfire badly. Here’s why you need to […]
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 […]
Reform of the Holidays Act: What Employers Should Expect
On 23 September 2025, the Government announced it will repeal the Holidays Act 2003 and replace it with a new Employment Leave Act. According to Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden, the reforms are intended to bring simplicity, transparency and fairness to leave entitlements for both employees and employers. The existing Act has […]
Keep the Cash Flowing – Tradie Tips to Get Paid – Part 1
Cashflow is king for any contractor — yet late payments, unclear terms, or clients who don’t pay at all can cripple your business. A good contract is your first line of defence. Here are practical tips to help you lock in better contract terms and get paid on time, every time 1. Always Get It […]
Court Issues Warning to Directors Who Misuse Retentions
We can now expect to see summary judgment applications against directors of failed construction companies who misuse retention funds. The High Court has adopted the Canadian position that a director is deemed to have known of any statutory or trust requirements and will be personally liable to restore any missing retention money that should have […]
Insolvent and Indifferent: A Director’s Missteps and a Warning to Homeowners
A recent High Court decision, Batley v MacDonald [2025] NZHC 974, has sent another clear warning to company directors across New Zealand: when a business starts to sink, misusing funds to keep the ship afloat while topping up your own interests is not an option. It is also a reminder to homeowners to take care when providing […]
It’s not just the house: intellectual property in the context of separation
The Supreme Court has confirmed that copyright in artworks created during a marriage is relationship property under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (PRA). The decision in Alalääkkölä v Palmer [2025] NZSC 9 sets a precedent for how courts should approach the division of intellectual property in relationship property disputes. The Dispute Over Copyright The case involved artist […]
New Law to Stop Abusive Use of Court processes in family proceedings
Some people misuse the court system not to solve real disputes, but as a tactic to harass, control, or intimidate others. This is called litigation abuse. It can include filing relentless legal documents, making false claims or allegations against another party, or dragging out cases to maintain control, often over a former partner. This is […]