Blog

Health and safety in the workplace - what the new regulations could mean for you

"Good health and safety is good for business.  It is an investment in improved productivity"  - So says Simon Bridges MP in announcing the introduction of the Health & Safety Reform Bill to Parliament this week. This Bill is part of the Government's overhaul of the workplace health and safety system in New Zealand, introducing the biggest reforms in this area for 20 years. The Government is targeting a 20% reduction in New Zealand's workplace injury and death toll by 2020.

By Claire Mansell - 14 Mar 2014

Employment law issues - setting off on the right foot

With the New Zealand Herald reporting that business confidence has risen to its highest level in almost 20 years, the start of 2014 has seen a great deal of increased optimism in the economy. As businesses prepare for a year promised to be marked by strong economic growth, we have seen a number of mergers and acquisitions and streamlining of existing businesses through redundancies. There has also been a lot of activity in the employment market due, perhaps, to employees having greater confidence to make a move. 

By Claire Mansell - 7 Mar 2014

Changes to the Consumer Guarantees Act are good news for consumers

Many of us have taken advantage of the sales over the summer holidays. But what happens when the bargain of the century turns out to be a lemon? Changes to the Consumer Guarantees Act which come into force in June will provide further protection for consumers but may pose challenges to business owners.

By Claire Mansell - 23 Jan 2014

Proposed increases to the size of Disputes Tribunal claims

The Government has just announced it is proposing to increase the size of claims that may be determined by the Disputes Tribunal. The proposal is to increase the present limit of $15,000 to $30,000.

By Andrew Steele - 13 Dec 2013

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

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

Court steps up focus on action of trustees

The High Court recently removed a beneficiary's stepmother and solicitor as trustees of a trust. The removal was on the grounds that they failed to act impartially and/or failed to take into account the interest of all the beneficiaries. The recent High Court decision of Thurston v Thurston reaffirms the requirement of trustees to act impartially and in the interest of all beneficiaries.

By Tony Johnson - 5 Sep 2013

So what is happening out there?

It's a question we regularly get asked by clients. And for good reason - legal services is one of those bellwether industries.

By Mike Worsnop - 8 Jul 2013

Less wriggle room when wrong decision made by trustee

The role of trustees is becoming progressively more time consuming and complex - and sometimes mistakes happen. So, what happens if you, as trustee, have slipped up?

By Tony Johnson - 28 Jun 2013

Half of yours is mine (the next chapter)

The UK Supreme Court recently considered an appeal from proceedings following a divorce. The Court's decision in Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd & Ors is likely to affect New Zealand company, insolvency, trust and relationship property law. 

By Tony Johnson - 21 Jun 2013