The Good Employer
Welcome to our latest Employment Newsletter – The Good Employer. In this issue we bring you up to date with the latest in employment law developments and practical workplace considerations. Click here to see The Good Employer Newsletter. Feel free to share this newsletter around, and please let us know your suggestions for future issues! […]
Failure to complete settlement: Don’t bet against the House!
You’ve found your dream home, and you’re ready to make it yours. But what happens if, for one reason or another, you can’t complete settlement? The consequences of failing to settle are significant, and the repercussions can be more than you expect. In this article, we explore the risks of failing to complete settlement and […]
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 […]
Clear instructions are vital – Ensure Will instructions are accurately recorded
The recent case of Public Trust v Fairbairn [2023] NZHC 2605 (“Fairbairn”) demonstrates how important it is to provide clear instructions for your Will, and for those instructions to be recorded clearly. Bruce Henry Sullivan (“the Deceased”) passed away on 14 July 2022. The Deceased had no partner or children, but had three siblings who […]
Understanding Covenants: A Case Study and Legal Insight
What is a covenant? A covenant is a legally binding agreement registered on a property’s title, dictating how land can be used or what can be built on it. Covenants are usually designed to protect property values and maintain the character of a neighbourhood. There are positive covenants, which require the property owner to take […]
Succession Law changes considered by Parliament
The Government has recently provided its initial response to the New Zealand Law Commission (“the Commission”)’s recommendations to reform succession laws in New Zealand. Late last year, the Commission completed its comprehensive review of the current piecemeal laws which determine what happens to a person’s property when they die. The Commission has recommended significant changes […]
Company directors may face personal liability for employment law breaches
Introduction Company directors have been put on notice: they may be held to be personally liable for their company’s employment law breaches; even if they genuinely believed the company was complying with its legal obligations. In a judgment issued on 20 December 2021, the Court of Appeal in A Labour Inspector v Southern Taxis Ltd[1] considered […]