The Trans-Tasman mutual recognition of financial advisers took
effect from 6 July 2012. If you're a financial adviser
wishing to have flexibility to move back and forth between New
Zealand and Australia this offers you a great advantage.
By Melissa Higham - 9 Jul 2012
read article 
On 1 May 2012 the Personal Properties Securities Register had
its 10 year anniversary. This is significant for secured
parties as financing statements expire after a period of 5 years
unless they are renewed prior to expiry. If
you were one of the first to register, you may need to again renew
your financing statement(s) or your financing statement(s) may have
already expired. Have you checked?
By Melissa Higham - 8 Jun 2012
read article 
Lending practices and credit law in New Zealand have come under
considerable criticism in the last few years. This has
resulted in significant reforms to the Credit Contracts and
Consumer Finance Act 2003 which are currently before
Parliament.
By Melissa Higham - 25 May 2012
read article 
The importation and sale of counterfeit goods and pirated works
has become an increasing problem in New Zealand. In response
to this, we have recently seen changes to our trade mark and
copyright legislation.
By Mike Worsnop - 22 Feb 2012
read article 
Over Christmas, there was a lot of media hype and confusion
surrounding the application of the Food Bill to market gardeners,
farmer's market stall holders, cake stalls and the like. The Bill
has been before Parliament for over a year, but until now has
received little attention.
According to the Government, the Bill will not stop farmers
markets operating, food being exchanged between neighbours or
friends or the occasional weekend sausage sizzle fundraiser outside
the "Red Shed".
By Melissa Higham - 2 Feb 2012
read article 
The Australian Personal Property Securities Act 2009 will
commence on 30 January 2012 introducing a new regime
regulating interests in personal property. Readers
may recall the introduction of similar legislation in New Zealand
in 2002 and the changes that it brought in terms of the
registration and enforcement of security interests in this
country.
By Mike Worsnop - 26 Jan 2012
read article 
If you sell 'consumer products' in Australia you need
to be sure that as from 1 January 2012 any warranties against
defects in those consumer products comply with the mandatory
requirements of Australia's new consumer law.
By Melissa Higham - 21 Dec 2011
read article 
Following on from an earlier blog, the Government has now
introduced the Companies and Limited Partnerships Amendment Bill
2011 to Parliament to tighten the rules and requirements around
company directors and the company registration process.
By Melissa Higham - 17 Oct 2011
read article 
The Commerce Minister, Simon Power, has announced proposals to
simplify the financial reporting framework of small and medium
sized businesses (SMEs). The change will be available to companies
that do not meet the definition of a "large" company. A "large
company" has annual revenue of more than $30 million or assets of
more than $60 million - if it doesn't meet either of those criteria
then it is not "large".
By Melissa Higham - 10 Oct 2011
read article 
New Zealand Immigration has recently announced new investor
migration policies, effective 25 July 2011.
By Steven Lee - 6 Oct 2011
read article