Blog

Domestic Violence - Victims Protection Act 2018: variation of working arrangements

There is a lot of talk around the new domestic violence leave introduced by the Domestic Violence - Victims Protection Act 2018 which was passed in July. However, the Act introduces another, less known, but equally striking change. In addition to being granted 10 days' domestic violence leave, an employee who is a victim of domestic violence can request a variation of their working arrangements for up to two months.

By Kiren Narayanan - 14 Aug 2018

Court judgments now include compounding interest

The Interest On Money Claims Act 2016 (which came into force this year) has changed the basis on which all Courts award interest on money claims.  This is good news for plaintiffs. Previously, the courts generally only awarded interest from the date of filing of a claim, the rate was fixed and compound interest was not allowed (unless specified in a prior agreement).

By Tony Johnson - 8 Aug 2018

Ebert Construction and retention monies held 'in trust'

On 1 August 2018, Ebert Construction Limited went into receivership. Ebert's receivership will be interesting to monitor, primarily due to it being the first major construction company to enter receivership with the requirement to hold retentions "in trust" under new amendments to the Construction Contracts Act 2002.

By Pierce Bedogni - 3 Aug 2018

Paid leave for victims of domestic violence

Under a new bill introduced into Parliament, victims of domestic violence will be entitled to up to 10 days' paid leave. We foresee some issues regarding proof for employers when this bill comes into effect next year.

By Kiren Narayanan - 26 Jul 2018

Debts owed to you by a family trust - are they protected if you separate?

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of Family Trusts per capita in the world. But a lot of these Trusts are not being managed correctly which then impacts on the protection a Trust can provide, particularly in the event of a relationship break down/separation.

By Fiona McGeorge - 12 Jul 2018

How to prevent building disputes

Building disputes can be very costly to resolve and cause both parties a lot of stress. If a dispute arises before construction is complete, building work is often suspended until the dispute is resolved. This can cause delays and can put unfinished work or materials on site at risk of damage. On residential projects in particular, a homeowner will be very invested and emotions can run high. Fortunately, there are things all parties can put in place to help prevent disputes.

By Meika McHardy - 4 Jul 2018

A win for Martelli McKegg in the Young Lawyers' moot

Martelli McKegg proudly congratulates its dynamic duo Kiren Narayanan and Terri Gough for winning the Auckland regional final of the National Law Foundation young lawyers' mooting competition.

By Andrew Steele - 3 Jul 2018

From 1 July we may need further information from our clients

From 1 July this year, we may be required to undertake due diligence in order to comply with our obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT). The information required (if any) will differ depending on the nature of your work and your type of entity. We will need this information prior to carrying out your instructions.

By Kay Keam - 21 Jun 2018

Additional obligations of corporate trustees

It's no secret that New Zealanders love trusts. At its simplest, a trust is a legal relationship where someone (the settlor) gives property to another (the trustee) to look after it and use if for the benefit of another person (the beneficiary).

By Alden Ho - 21 Jun 2018

Do I have a say in my child's life?

If you are the father of a child, you may think that you automatically have a say in your child's upbringing (such as schooling, religion, where they live etc) however that may not be the case. Legally you only get a say in your child's life if you are their legal guardian.

By Surendra Bennett - 14 Jun 2018