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Tips for better employment relations over Christmas

Tips for better employment relations over Christmas

'Tis the season to be jolly. It also seems to be a season of employment disputes and problems. Here are some of the more common issues our employment lawyers have encountered.

By Andrew Steele and Claire Mansell - 6 Dec 2013

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Running a new business - operating issues

Running a new business - operating issues

Leases, terms of trade and employment agreements - getting the nuts and bolts of operating procedures right at the start is essential for success. Have you covered all the necessary legal areas? Are you satisfied that everything is in order and you are prepared? 

By Warren Bygrave - 29 Nov 2013

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Starting a business - financing considerations

Starting a business - financing considerations

One of the key factors in starting a business is finance. The question to ask yourself is: do I have enough to get me started and see me through the hard times? You cannot assume that clients/customers will appear immediately. It often takes longer than you think. There are enough risks in business without increasing them by not considering all possibilities. 

By Warren Bygrave - 22 Nov 2013 - 1 comment

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Company structures - directors' duties

Company structures - directors' duties

One of the factors discussed in last week's blog was the thought that must be given to what structure is best suited to your new or startup business. Today's blog is about one of the options - operating a company. For a number of reasons, many people choose to run their business through a company. It is easy to set up and relatively simple to administer but it does bring with it some formality and a need to understand the obligations and duties involved.

By Warren Bygrave - 15 Nov 2013

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Going into business

Going into business

At a time when the economy is recovering, many people will be looking to their future and considering starting up a new business or buying an existing one.  This should be as good a time as any to do so.

By Warren Bygrave - 8 Nov 2013

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Court of Appeal turns its sights towards dishonest trustees

Court of Appeal turns its sights towards dishonest trustees

The recent Court of Appeal decision in Spencer v Spencer is a further indication of the Court's renewed interest in the actions of trustees. In this case, the Court found the trustees were personally liable for losses arising out of the various breaches of duty. 

By Tony Johnson - 25 Oct 2013

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Choosing an Executor

Choosing an Executor

One of the most important decisions when making a Will is who to appoint as executor. An executor's job can be very demanding with very little or no reward. Executors can also be held personally liable if an estate is not administered in the correct way, so you must be sure you select the right person for the job.

By Rebecca Collins - 16 Oct 2013

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Don't leave your loved ones a headache - the pitfalls of DIY Will kits

Don't leave your loved ones a headache - the pitfalls of DIY Will kits

Writing a Will is easy right? Just leave everything to my spouse and then bury my body?

Do it yourself Will kits may make it seem easy but there are many pitfalls throughout the process of making a Will which could make your Will invalid or mean that your testamentary intentions are not fulfilled.

By Rebecca Collins - 8 Oct 2013

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Your place in Auckland's future

The Auckland Unitary Plan will be notified today. This will trigger the formal submissions phase with submissions closing on 28 February 2014. The Plan will not be fully operative until completion of the submissions and appeals process. If you own property in Auckland or do business in Auckland the time to take action is now.

By Kay Keam - 30 Sep 2013

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Changes to trust law - what you need to know

Changes to trust law - what you need to know

On 11 September 2013 the Law Commission presented their review of the Law of Trusts, A Trust Act for New Zealand, to Parliament. The review calls for the adoption of a new Trusts Act and the subsequent repeal of the current Trustee Act 1956. The new Trusts Act will not serve as a mere update of the current Trustee Act 1956, but will provide simplified procedures, outline the core characteristics of trusts and strengthen the common understanding of trust law for those using it. It will bind together and build upon all accepted rules of trust law, whether found in legislation or case law.

By Catherine Atchison - 24 Sep 2013

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