Rural

Mental-Health-Responsibilities-Rural-Law

Over the Fence

Taking a closer look at the threat of American tariffs; Employer Obligations around Mental Health; and the Consumer Guarantees Act vs. the Fair Trading Act.

Firearms-Reform-Rural-Law-Preview

Firearms Reform 2025

The government aims to modernise the Arms Act 1983. The overhaul is the fourth phase of a commitment to reform the firearms regulatory system following on from three previous phases implemented after the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting.

Rural-Law-Emissions-News-Hawkes-Bay-Preview

Emissions Trading Scheme

The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will turn 17 years old in September. Lately, there has been concern about the conversion of productive farmland into forestry in order to gain emissions units. The government has recently announced changes to the ETS; its aim is to strike a balance between achieving New Zealand’s climate goals, and protecting the longevity and profitability of our
most profitable farmland.

rural-legal-news-livestock-transportation

Over the fence

Requirements when transporting livestock; Recent NZ-UAE Free Trade Agreement; Employment contracts for seasonal workers.

rural-legal-news-foreshore-seabeds

Overturning the foreshore and seabed decision

The government proposes to overturn a 2023 Court of Appeal decision covering Māori customary rights to the foreshore and seabed. It is of the view that the court’s decision gives too much power to iwi and hapū over what happens on ‘too much’ of New Zealand’s coastal areas.

rural-legal-news-virtual-livestock-fencing

The moral dilemma of virtual fencing

The popularity of virtual fencing is increasing quickly amongst dairy farmers, as an efficient method to contain and move stock.

Gifford Devine - Over the fence

Over the fence

Service tenancies on the farm; Checking terms of engagement regarding liability; Farm lease coming to an end – what’s required?

Gifford Devine - The future of indoor pig farming

The future of indoor pig farming

Concerns that policy is threatening indoor pig farming

Photo of the Beehive, Wellington Parliament Building

Budget 2024

What was in it for the rural sector? On 30 May 2024, the Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis, presented her first Budget.

Gifford Devine - Over the fence blog

Over the fence

Contract grazing; 90-day trial periods available again for all employers; Minimising phosphorous in waterways