The Supreme Court has today opened the door for many more home
owners to bring claims in the Weathertight Homes Tribunal
(WHT). The Court ruled in favour of John and Helen
Osborne who have been battling to have their leaky home claim
declared eligible in the WHT. They brought their claim within
ten years of a code compliance certificate (CCC)
being issued by Auckland Council but their claim was found to be
ineligible.
By Andrew Steele - 10 Jun 2014
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Recent reports tell of owners of million dollar properties
around One Tree Hill abandoning their homes. This highlights
the potential pitfalls of buying leasehold titles. In these
instances the annual rent has suddenly risen, sometimes by 800% or
more. This is as a result of rent reviews which are carried out at
set times under the lease.
By Kay Keam - 28 Apr 2014
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The previously haphazard approach to earthquake-strengthening
requirements in New Zealand has given way to a national policy. The
new requirements will impose significant costs on owners of
earthquake prone buildings.
By Kay Keam - 10 Apr 2014
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Being a good employer sometimes means making difficult
choices. Decisions aimed at improving profitability and
efficiency can come at the cost of someone's job. Good
communication and transparency from a company is important if
you're to avoid employment disputes and litigation
headaches.
By Claire Mansell - 26 Mar 2014
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"Good health and safety is good for business. It is an
investment in improved productivity" - So says Simon
Bridges MP in announcing the introduction of the Health
& Safety Reform Bill to Parliament this week. This Bill is
part of the Government's overhaul of the workplace health and
safety system in New Zealand, introducing the biggest reforms in
this area for 20 years. The Government is targeting a 20% reduction
in New Zealand's workplace injury and death toll by 2020.
By Claire Mansell - 14 Mar 2014
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With the New Zealand Herald reporting that business
confidence has risen to its highest level in almost 20 years, the
start of 2014 has seen a great deal of increased optimism in the
economy. As businesses prepare for a year promised to be
marked by strong economic growth, we have seen a number of mergers
and acquisitions and streamlining of existing businesses through
redundancies. There has also been a lot of activity in the
employment market due, perhaps, to employees having greater
confidence to make a move.
By Claire Mansell - 7 Mar 2014
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In the six months that have passed since the Marriage
(Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013 (Act)
came into force, New Zealand has proudly hosted approximately 361
same-sex marriages. The excitement and hype that followed the
Parliamentary announcement last April has been slow to wane, and
rightly so; the passing of the Act remains a significant step
towards the equalising of LGBTI rights both in New Zealand and
globally.
By - 21 Feb 2014
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Many of us have taken advantage of the sales over the summer
holidays. But what happens when the bargain of the century turns
out to be a lemon? Changes to the Consumer Guarantees Act which
come into force in June will provide further protection for
consumers but may pose challenges to business owners.
By Claire Mansell - 23 Jan 2014
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The partners and staff of Martelli McKegg would like to wish you
a safe and happy holiday season. Our office hours and
emergency contacts follow.
By Philip Wells - 23 Dec 2013
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The Government has just announced it is proposing to increase
the size of claims that may be determined by the Disputes
Tribunal. The proposal is to increase the present limit of
$15,000 to $30,000.
By Andrew Steele - 13 Dec 2013
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