On Friday, 3 April 2020, the Government announced
significant insolvency law changes in response to the likely
economic impact of COVID-19 and the current lockdown (https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/further-measures-support-businesses
). The Government will amend the Companies Act 1993 to
provide additional comfort to directors of companies during the
next six months, and will also introduce "Covid-19 Business Debt
Hibernation" as an option to help businesses survive the
deterioration in the business environment (https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz/about-us/what-we-do/insolvency-relief-for-businesses-impacted-by-covid-19/
). Parliament will have to pass legislation to give effect to
the proposed changes, although the proposed legislation has not
been made public.
By Jacque Lethbridge and Bill Gambrill - 5 Apr 2020
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It has been five days since New Zealand went into lockdown
in response to the Covid19 Pandemic, and separated parents sharing
care of their children have faced the unprecedented and daunting
issue of who the children will reside with during
lockdown.
By Dharsh Nanayakkara - 30 Mar 2020
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The Martelli McKegg team are pleased to announce that Bill Gambrill
joined the litigation team in early 2020. Bill brings a wealth of
experience in insolvency, banking and financing advice and
litigation, having practised in one of New Zealand's largest law
firms, before heading to Dubai in 2005. In Dubai, Bill's commercial
litigation practice included insolvency, conflict of laws,
financial services, real estate disputes, construction and
employment. Bill is working closely with Jacque Lethbridge focusing
on restructuring and insolvency, and general commercial litigation
and advice, which will be critical areas of legal practice over the
coming months.
By Jacque Lethbridge - 26 Mar 2020
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With the nation now in lock-down phase as a result of the
Covid-19 crisis, many employers are considering how they can look
after their businesses as well as their employees. For some,
government subsidies will allow a degree of continuity in staffing
whilst others will need to make changes that will adversely affect
their employees. We touch upon some key topics below.
By Claire Mansell - 25 Mar 2020
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As COVID-19 continues to sweep across the globe, many
employers are contemplating the potential effects on their
businesses, not just from a down-turn in trade but the very real
possibility that they may end up with multiple staff absences over
an extended length of time. Below we answer some of the common
questions our employer clients are asking.
By Claire Mansell - 16 Mar 2020
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Martelli McKegg is pleased to
announce that we have become an Affiliate Member of the Franchise
Association of New Zealand (FANZ).
By Andrew Skinner - 9 Mar 2020
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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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