The government's Wage Subsidy Scheme
is intended to assist businesses retain employees during the
COVID-19 crisis by helping the employer to fund those salaries and
wages. The scheme has now been extended for a further eight weeks
for businesses that meet the new, more stringent eligibility
criteria. Businesses will be able to apply for the extended subsidy
from 10 June 2020.
By Aimee Elia - 18 May 2020
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The impact of COVID-19 may be felt for many months to come
and will result in a number of people considering a change of
direction or career. For some, the prospect of buying a business
and being in more control of your own destiny will be
appealing. Franchising will be a popular option for those who
have not owned a business before and a number of franchisors have
seen their levels of enquiry increase over the lockdown
period.
By Andrew Skinner - 15 May 2020
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With the prospect of transitioning to
level 2 on the horizon, many people will now be contemplating
returning to work albeit under somewhat changed circumstances.
Naturally, there will be some concerns around risk management of
the COVID-19 virus when employees are engaging with members of the
public and fellow employees.
By Aimee Elia - 11 May 2020
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We are delighted to announce that Tim Orr has joined the
partnership.
By Melissa Higham - 4 May 2020
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Martelli McKegg would like to congratulate Jacque
Lethbridge, Partner in Litigation for being elected to the Board of
the New Zealand Law Society as the Vice-President for
Auckland.
By Mike Worsnop - 23 Apr 2020
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The Covid-19 lockdown and mandatory distancing rules prevented
affidavits and declarations from being signed 'in person' or before
a solicitor.
By Andrew Steele and Jacque Lethbridge - 20 Apr 2020
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The Government has announced that most, but not all,
businesses can start to open when we shift to Alert Level 3. The
businesses that do open must take health measures to keep their
workers safe and workers must work from home if they can.
Retail and hospitality businesses can only open for delivery and
contactless pre-ordered pick up. Businesses cannot offer services
which involve face to face contact or sustained close contact (e.g.
hair-dressing).
By Andrew Skinner - 17 Apr 2020
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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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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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