Blog

Lack of detailed invoices proves costly for building contractors

If you're a building contractor who issues simplified invoices, you may need to think again. A recent high court case emphasised the need for contractors to get invoices right the first time if they intend to rely on summary procedures to maximise their cash flow.

By Andrew Steele - 30 Jun 2015

Recent Building Act changes have far reaching effects for developers and investors

Significant changes to the Building Act 2004 and new regulations came into effect on 1 January 2015. The legislation contains far-reaching changes for residential building contracts and some contracts of sale of residential properties by developers and investors.

By Kay Keam - 26 Feb 2015

Martelli McKegg announces new Associate Claire Mansell

We are pleased to announce our new associate, Claire Mansell. Claire is an experienced litigator with particular expertise in insolvency and civil litigation. She has been with us since 2009.

By Andrew Steele and Tony Johnson - 2 Feb 2015

Let us help you add value to your property

Converting a cross lease title to a fee simple title or a unit title can add value to your property. This is particularly beneficial where your existing title is defective and needs to be rectified anyway. By way of example, this could be where you or a previous owner has carried out alterations to the building so that the external dimensions of the building no longer match what is shown on the flats plan. If you are going to spend money with a surveyor rectifying the flats plan then using that money to pay for a new fee simple plan may be a better use of your money.

By Kay Keam - 2 Sep 2014

10 questions to ask before buying leasehold property

Recent reports tell of owners of million dollar properties around One Tree Hill abandoning their homes. This highlights the potential pitfalls of buying leasehold titles. In these instances the annual rent has suddenly risen, sometimes by 800% or more. This is as a result of rent reviews which are carried out at set times under the lease.

By Kay Keam - 28 Apr 2014

New national policy on earthquake strengthening for buildings

The previously haphazard approach to earthquake-strengthening requirements in New Zealand has given way to a national policy. The new requirements will impose significant costs on owners of earthquake prone buildings.

By Kay Keam - 10 Apr 2014

Your place in Auckland's future

The Auckland Unitary Plan will be notified today. This will trigger the formal submissions phase with submissions closing on 28 February 2014. The Plan will not be fully operative until completion of the submissions and appeals process. If you own property in Auckland or do business in Auckland the time to take action is now.

By Kay Keam - 30 Sep 2013

Replacement v Sum Insured

International re-insurers have been feeling the pinch from the fallout of the Christchurch earthquake. They now see New Zealand as a riskier bet and want to more accurately assess their future liability in the event of further natural disasters. So, gone is the golden era of open ended replacement insurance and in are the days of Sum Insured policies. Replacement policies are based on the size of the property. Sum Insured policies are for a specific sum.

By Kay Keam - 7 Aug 2013 - 1 comment

Who is going to take over the business?

Succession Planning is a critical issue facing many SMEs. And when you stop to consider that something like 97% of businesses fall into that category (based on figures published by Statistics NZ), it's a critical issue for the New Zealand economy.

By Mike Worsnop - 12 Jul 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