A letter of intent, also known as a heads of agreement, is often used by parties before entering into a formal contract. While such a letter can be a useful tool to maintain momentum during a commercial transaction, the document itself has been the centre of many disputes over the years.

We give an overview on why parties may wish to use a letter of intent, and the downsides that could lead to business losses and commercial disappointment.

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.

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.

The Minister of Finance, the Hon Grant Robertson, presented the government’s Wellbeing Budget to the House on Thursday, 19 May. With an eye on the late 2023 general election, did the Budget give short-term relief for New Zealanders or did it take the long-term view for the good of the country? The government has probably put a dollar each way.