Our latest round up of what’s happening in Commercial Law, including: the launch of the new Business Investor Visa; Responsible AI usage; HelloFresh and the Fair Trading Act 1986.
The Commerce Commission has now completed the country’s first criminal cartel prosecution with two sentences imposed on two construction companies in the High Court in Auckland.
https://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Commercial-Law-Hawkes-Bay-Uber-FB.jpg788940Torrihttps://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Gifford-Devine-Hastings-Logo.jpgTorri2026-01-27 10:19:022026-01-27 13:40:35Uber drivers are employees – for now
In August, Fonterra announced that Lactalis will take ownership of iconic New Zealand brands such as Anchor and Mainland; it comes as part of Fonterra’s strategy to pursue an increased emphasis on its ingredients and foodservice businesses.
https://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Fonterra-Hands-The-Reins-To-Lactalis-Social.jpg788940Torrihttps://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Gifford-Devine-Hastings-Logo.jpgTorri2025-12-15 15:48:542025-12-15 16:48:17Moo-ving on
We take a close look at: new limits on farmland to forestry conversions; the increase in Disputes Tribunal jurisdiction; and Health and Safety considerations for farm visits.
https://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Over-The-Fence-Rural-Law-Forestry-Social.jpg788940Torrihttps://gifforddevine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Gifford-Devine-Hastings-Logo.jpgTorri2025-12-15 15:35:582025-12-15 16:36:28Over the fence
In October 2025, the government confirmed it will reset New Zealand’s biogenic methane target for 2050 to a 14–24% range, while keeping the 10% cut by 2030 and the net-zero target for long-lived gases.
Proposed reform to the Overseas Investment Act; Granny flat legislation just passed; No further restrictions on sunset clauses in agreements; Changes to the assessment of earthquake-prone buildings. Find out more in our latest Property Briefs.
Two of the most important considerations for parties to a commercial lease are, ‘What is the annual rent?’ and ‘How and when can the rental amount be reviewed?’ We look at the three main methods of rent review.
Our latest Business Brief takes a look at Commerce Commission action against Noel Leeming; the Online Casino Gambling Bill; and what’s happening with the Biometrics Processing Privacy Code 2025.
Business briefs
Our latest round up of what’s happening in Commercial Law, including: the launch of the new Business Investor Visa; Responsible AI usage; HelloFresh and the Fair Trading Act 1986.
New Zealand’s criminal cartel regime
The Commerce Commission has now completed the country’s first criminal cartel prosecution with two sentences imposed on two construction companies in the High Court in Auckland.
Uber drivers are employees – for now
Late last year, the Supreme Court decided that Uber drivers are employees. An employment law lifeline, however, has been proposed.
Moo-ving on
In August, Fonterra announced that Lactalis will take ownership of iconic New Zealand brands such as Anchor and Mainland; it comes as part of Fonterra’s strategy to pursue an increased emphasis on its ingredients and foodservice businesses.
Over the fence
We take a close look at: new limits on farmland to forestry conversions; the increase in Disputes Tribunal jurisdiction; and Health and Safety considerations for farm visits.
New Zealand’s methane reset
In October 2025, the government confirmed it will reset New Zealand’s biogenic methane target for 2050 to a 14–24% range, while keeping the 10% cut by 2030 and the net-zero target for long-lived gases.
Property Briefs
Proposed reform to the Overseas Investment Act; Granny flat legislation just passed; No further restrictions on sunset clauses in agreements; Changes to the assessment of earthquake-prone buildings. Find out more in our latest Property Briefs.
Vendor supplied reports/disclosures
The general rule of thumb when you buy a property is that the more information you can find out about the property, the better. We take a closer look.
Rent reviews in commercial leases
Two of the most important considerations for parties to a commercial lease are, ‘What is the annual rent?’ and ‘How and when can the rental amount be reviewed?’ We look at the three main methods of rent review.
Business briefs
Our latest Business Brief takes a look at Commerce Commission action against Noel Leeming; the Online Casino Gambling Bill; and what’s happening with the Biometrics Processing Privacy Code 2025.