Gifford Devine - Hybrid Working

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.

Gifford Devine - Contract Compliance

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.

Gifford Devine - When Lotto winners fall out

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.

Gifford Devine - Wearing two hats in a family protection claim

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.

Trusts Act 2019 also affects executors and administrators of wills

Not everyone is aware that the some of the provisions in this legislation also apply to wills and the administration of estates by executors. We outline executors’ mandatory and default duties as well as briefly discussing some interpretations of the latter.

Gifford Devine - Over the Fence

Over the fence

Health and safety responsibilities; Stock control bylaw changes; Live export contracts and force majeure clauses

Gifford Devine - Crown Pastoral Land Reform Act 2022

Crown Pastoral Land Reform Act 2022

On 17 May 2022, the Crown Pastoral Land Reform Act 2022 (CPLRA) became law. In this article, we outline what is included in the new legislation, what will continue to be dealt with under the old Act, and how the Crown proposes managing this land.

Gifford-Devine-He Waka Eke Noa

He Waka Eke Noa

Following a period of public consultation, the He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) Partnership was about to provide its recommendations to the government on how best to equip farmers to measure, manage and reduce on-farm agricultural greenhouse emissions. We give a brief evaluation of the implications of those recommendations.

Gifford-Devine-Business-Briefs

Business briefs

Topics covered in this article: Fair Pay Agreements Bill on the table; Proposed legislation to address modern slavery and worker exploitation; Incorporated societies – what’s next?; Next stage of vaping legislation coming into effect.

Gifford-Devine-Proposed Income Insurance Scheme

Proposed Income Insurance Scheme

In February, the government proposed a new compulsory insurance scheme for all employees. We look at what the proposed scheme would involve and whether you as an employer should prepare.