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How to deal with Online Banking Mistakes or Cyber Fraud

On 29 February 2024, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs published an 'open letter' to the New Zealand banking industry, in response to "an increase in the prevalence and sophistication of online scams and fraud".

By Jacque Lethbridge and Michael Mabbett - 3 Apr 2024

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Can employees claim unjustified disadvantage arising out of their employer’s decision not to pay them?

Can employees claim unjustified disadvantage arising out of their employer’s decision not to pay them?

No, held the Employment Court in the case of Breen and Prime Resources Company Limited, [1] because the company's actions were based solely on a genuine interpretation of a clause in the employment agreement.

By Kathryn McKinney - 18 Mar 2024

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Use or lose your New Zealand cash investments - Unclaimed Money

Use or lose your New Zealand cash investments - Unclaimed Money

Recently, several foreign clients have asked for assistance when the funds in their bank account disappeared. In both situations, this was not fraud but rather banks had paid the bank proceeds to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue ( IRD) pursuant to the Unclaimed Money Act 1971.

By Lee Harris - 29 Feb 2024

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NZ’s Healthy Homes Standards: Cosy or Costly? The Consequences of Falling Short

NZ’s Healthy Homes Standards: Cosy or Costly? The Consequences of Falling Short

Failure to meet the requirements under the Healthy Homes Standards can be a timely-wake up call for any landlord, especially when the Tenancy Tribunal comes knocking

By Ella McLeod - 25 Jan 2024

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Increasing visibility by revenue authorities on New Zealand investments

Increasing visibility by revenue authorities on New Zealand investments

Non-resident investors are seeing signs of increased visibility by revenue authorities on their New Zealand investments. With no prior notice, income tax returns for non-residents now include a requirement for the foreign tax identification number (TIN) and jurisdiction of tax residency.  Needless to say, many taxpayers are querying why this has happened.

By Lee Harris - 15 Nov 2023

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Can I buy a property without an agreement for sale and purchase?

Can I buy a property without an agreement for sale and purchase?

Most people who have purchased properties are familiar with the standard forms of agreements for sale and purchase. Section 24 of the Property Law Act 2007 (Act) specifically says that to sell or purchase property, a contract must be in writing and signed. Long gone are the days of handshake agreements - or are they?

By Kiren Narayanan - 9 Nov 2023

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Recent Employment Relations Authority determination on how employers navigate workplace bullying complaints

Recent Employment Relations Authority determination on how employers navigate workplace bullying complaints

Mr Green raised bullying complaints about a fellow employee (A), which KiwiRail advised would be investigated. Mr Green was initially invited to attend a meeting with A at which he said he felt uncomfortable and pressured into shaking hands with A.

By Kathryn McKinney - 31 Oct 2023

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Defaulting Tenants - practical steps to take when reminders go unanswered

Defaulting Tenants - practical steps to take when reminders go unanswered

In the current climate we are seeing more of our landlord clients seeking advice on their options for dealing with defaulting tenants.  In the article below, Andrea White (a Senior Associate in our Property Team) and Parsha Grant (Senior Solicitor in our Litigation Team) discuss your best course of action when your usual reminder emails and phone calls have gone unanswered.

By Andrea White - 16 Oct 2023

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Martelli McKegg’s Cross-Border Legal Exchange: Strengthening Connections with the Meritas network

Martelli McKegg recently participated in a two week exchange programme organised by Meritas. The exchange programme is designed to provide lawyers the opportunity to work in a different country and firm and also builds on the connections in the Meritas network.

By Mike Worsnop - 20 Sep 2023

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New Hazards Insurance Law Set to Make a Splash

New Hazards Insurance Law Set to Make a Splash

2023 has been a watershed year for severe weather events - fortunately there is a change on the way that should help homeowners and building owners make an insurance claim. The infamous Earthquake Commission Act 1993 ( EQC Act) is facing an overhaul, now set to be replaced by the Natural Hazards Insurance Act which comes into effect from 1 July 2024.

By Darius Shahtahmasebi - 11 Sep 2023

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