Blog

Can I buy a property without an agreement for sale and purchase?

Most people who have purchased properties are familiar with the standard forms of agreements for sale and purchase. Section 24 of the Property Law Act 2007 (Act) specifically says that to sell or purchase property, a contract must be in writing and signed. Long gone are the days of handshake agreements - or are they?

By Kiren Narayanan - 9 Nov 2023

Recent Employment Relations Authority determination on how employers navigate workplace bullying complaints

Mr Green raised bullying complaints about a fellow employee (A), which KiwiRail advised would be investigated. Mr Green was initially invited to attend a meeting with A at which he said he felt uncomfortable and pressured into shaking hands with A.

By Kathryn McKinney - 31 Oct 2023

Defaulting Tenants - practical steps to take when reminders go unanswered

In the current climate we are seeing more of our landlord clients seeking advice on their options for dealing with defaulting tenants.  In the article below, Andrea White (a Senior Associate in our Property Team) and Parsha Grant (Senior Solicitor in our Litigation Team) discuss your best course of action when your usual reminder emails and phone calls have gone unanswered.

By Andrea White and Parsha Grant - 16 Oct 2023

New Hazards Insurance Law Set to Make a Splash

2023 has been a watershed year for severe weather events - fortunately there is a change on the way that should help homeowners and building owners make an insurance claim. The infamous Earthquake Commission Act 1993 ( EQC Act) is facing an overhaul, now set to be replaced by the Natural Hazards Insurance Act which comes into effect from 1 July 2024.

By Darius Shahtahmasebi - 11 Sep 2023

Employment law update

The Employment Relations (Extended Time for Personal Grievance for Sexual Harassment) Amendment Act 2023 came into force on 13 June. This change allows an employee up to 12 months to raise a personal grievance for sexual harassment, instead of having to do so within 90 days. Employers are required to change employment agreements from that date.

By Kathryn McKinney - 15 Jun 2023

I bought a property with someone and now they don’t want to sell! / J’ai acheté de l’immobilier, mais mon copropriétaire ne veut pas le vendre !

Property is a big part of our lives and it is becoming more and more common to purchase with other parties. This is often by way of a joint venture to develop property or as a way to purchase residential property and share the burden. However, there is always a risk that for whatever reason, one of the parties wants to sell or no longer wishes to be involved. What can you do if your co-owner does not want to sell?

By Kiren Narayanan - 17 May 2023

Divorce - what is it good for?

Separating from your spouse may be what ends your relationship in practical terms, but remaining married, even after years of separation, can have unexpected consequences.

By Telise Kelly - 9 Mar 2023

Enforcing foreign judgments

Despite the mass exodus from New Zealand, there are still people coming to New Zealand - and sometimes escaping judgments against them. Can leaving the country leave behind your obligations?

By Kiren Narayan - 15 Jul 2022

I can't get any gib! What to do if you risk penalties for late completion

Supply issues in the construction industry at the moment are well known. If you're in the industry and running the risk of incurring penalties, there are things which can be done.

By Kiren Narayanan - 11 Apr 2022

Insights from the Relationship Property Survey 2021

The Family Law section of the New Zealand Law Society, in conjunction with Grant Thornton, recently released the New Zealand Relationship Property Survey of 2021.

By Tara Grant - 21 Mar 2022