Over the fence
We take a look at current issues impacting Rural Law in Hawke’s Bay, including Wet Weather Health and Safety policies, changes to the Recognised Seasonal Worker scheme, and the Foot and Mouth disease agreement.
Rural
Shearing the love
The government has announced that from 1 July 2025 all government agencies must use woollen fibre products in the construction and refurbishment of government buildings – where practical and appropriate. We look at the implications.
Understanding workplace accommodation and service tenancies
While providing accommodation for employees can support recruitment and retention, it also creates legal obligations that employers must manage carefully. We take a closer look.
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 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.
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.
Over the fence
Requirements when transporting livestock; Recent NZ-UAE Free Trade Agreement; Employment contracts for seasonal workers.
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.
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.
Over the fence
Service tenancies on the farm; Checking terms of engagement regarding liability; Farm lease coming to an end – what’s required?