On 12 February 2020, the Fair Trading Amendment Bill
( Bill) passed its first reading in
Parliament and proposes two key changes to the existing Fair
Trading Act 1986 ( FTA).
The proposed amendments to the FTA will impact all
businesses.
By Chelsea Copland - 1 Mar 2020
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People with successful businesses often consider a range
of options for expanding their operation. Franchising is becoming
an increasingly popular option for well-established businesses
operating in a local market, but wishing to expand regionally or
nationally.
By Andrew Skinner - 18 Feb 2020
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We are delighted to welcome Andrew Skinner to the
partnership. Andrew is an experienced commercial lawyer with
specialist industry experience in building and construction and
franchising.
By Melissa Higham - 4 Feb 2020
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Appointing testamentary guardians
A difficult decision parents of younger children have to
make when making a Will is deciding who should be appointed as
guardians of their children. Inclusion of an appointment of a
guardian should be considered whenever a Will is made by a person
with children who are under the age of 18.
By Emma Foster - 22 Jan 2020
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A proposed new change to insolvency law is good news for
unsecured creditors. As the law currently stands, when a
director is successfully sued for breaches of duties to the
company, any recovery is an asset of the company. This means
that the money is subject to a secured creditor claim and quite
possibly will not be available at all as a dividend to unsecured
creditors.
By Tony Johnson - 19 Dec 2019
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We are often asked about the rules and regulations around
building consents. We have put together answers to some of the most
frequently asked questions.
By Meika McHardy - 12 Dec 2019
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The partners and staff of Martelli McKegg Lawyers mourn
the sudden and unexpected passing of Kay Keam. Kay was
a much loved and respected partner of Martelli McKegg having spent
over 17 years at the firm. She was an exceptional lawyer, mentor
and friend. Despite the pressures of her busy and specialised
practice, Kay always maintained a calm, assured and compassionate
demeanour.
By Mike Worsnop - 5 Dec 2019
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We're pleased to be the contributor for the New Zealand chapter
in the 2nd edition of "A Global Roadmap to Personal Data
Protection". Proudly put together by Meritas Law Firms Worldwide.
Download your complimentary copy here: https://www.meritas.org/DataProtectionGuide.aspx
By Mike Worsnop - 18 Nov 2019
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The recent Court of Appeal decision in Guest v
Guest [2019] NZCA 64 stands as a reminder to trustees
that if they do not act reasonably, then they may be exposing
themselves to a significant costs liability.
By Terri Gough - 10 Nov 2019
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The Disputes Tribunal has just increased the financial
threshold for submitting a claim to $30,000. Until 29 October 2019,
a party could only file a claim up to a maximum of $15,000 (or
$20,000 with both parties' agreement). At this low sum it meant
that parties who wanted to pursue claims slightly over $15,000
faced the prospect of either writing off a portion of the debt to
pursue their claim in the Tribunal, or abandoning it all
together.
By Pierce Bedogni - 1 Nov 2019
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