Protecting productive land

Over the next three years, every regional council must map any land that is designated ‘highly productive land’.

Trusts and succession

The Trusts Act 2019 imposes mandatory and default duties on trustees. We give trusties a steer on how to plan for this situation.

Property briefs

Victims of domestic violence can terminate tenancies; Body corporate rules beefed up; Buying a property with unconsented works

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Vendor obligations after signing an agreement for sale and purchase

A case heard in the Supreme Court earlier this year presents a cautionary tale for property sellers.

Negative equity on your property?

Not necessarily a nightmare

Business briefs

In this article: Hiring migrant workers: What the new AEWV means for you; Changes to the Holidays Act on the horizon; FMA review of ethical investing highlights need for improvement

Hybrid working

The Covid pandemic has reshaped the way New Zealanders work. Southern Cross Health Insurance conducted a nationwide survey for its Workplace Wellness Report 2021 and found that since the Covid outbreak in 2020, 34% of businesses surveyed have changed their position on remote working and now offer it as an option to employees.

Contract compliance

If you have customer contracts, inter-business contracts or contracts valued under $250,000, the Fair Trading Amendment Act 2021, that updated the Fair Trading Act 1986, should be on your radar. The changes came into effect on 16 August 2022.

When Lotto winners fall out

Winning a Lotto prize is always a reason to celebrate; dreams can be realised and life can be more comfortable. Banking a lump sum can, however, give headaches to families as they not only grapple with newfound wealth, but also how it could be distributed amongst family members.

Wearing two hats in a family protection claim

In a recent case, the High Court found that a will administrator’s default in complying with a court order was so flagrant, it justified issuing an order for arrest of the administrator. The will administrator was wearing two hats – one hat as a will administrator and the second hat as a beneficiary.