Occasionally the relationship between parties to a
building contract turns sour. In some cases the parties will be
able to get things back on track so that the project can be brought
to completion. However, in other cases there is an irreparable
breakdown in trust and one or both parties want to part ways. The
owner may not want the builder around anymore and/or the builder
may not want to continue racking up cost on credit with little
prospect of being paid. So how does a party terminate the building
contract and what risks does a party face if they get it
wrong?
By Meika McHardy - 13 Sep 2018
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Under a new bill introduced into Parliament, victims of domestic
violence will be entitled to up to 10 days' paid leave. We foresee
some issues regarding proof for employers when this bill comes into
effect next year.
By Kiren Narayanan - 26 Jul 2018
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New Zealand has one of the highest rates of Family Trusts
per capita in the world. But a lot of these Trusts are not being
managed correctly which then impacts on the protection a Trust can
provide, particularly in the event of a relationship break
down/separation.
By Fiona McGeorge - 12 Jul 2018
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From 1 July this year, we may be required to undertake due
diligence in order to comply with our obligations under the
Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act
(AML/CFT). The information required
(if any) will differ depending on the nature of your work and
your type of entity. We will need this information
prior to carrying out your instructions.
By Kay Keam - 21 Jun 2018
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If you are the father of a child, you may think that you
automatically have a say in your child's upbringing (such as
schooling, religion, where they live etc) however that may not be
the case. Legally you only get a say in your child's life if you
are their legal guardian.
By Surendra Bennett - 14 Jun 2018
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In their advancing years, many people come to rely on the
support, services and affection of others. Often this support is
not from family members. In such instances many people make or
imply promises that they will look after the service provider in
their will. The promises are more often than not made to secure the
benefits supplied, but can be made simply as a reward or 'gesture
of gratitude' for the services supplied.
By Andrew Steele - 18 May 2018
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The storm in Auckland on 10 April
caught many people unaware. Trees caused carnage in many
neighbourhoods - cutting power lines, falling on parked cars and
destroying homes. In fact, many people are now looking at leafy
inner city suburbs with fresh eyes. Could we have been growing our
own 'weapons of mass destruction' all these years?
By Kiren Narayanan - 9 May 2018
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The number of people divorcing aged
50+ is on the increase. These couples are sometimes referred to as
'Silver Splitters'. Life really can begin again at this age, where
you meet someone new and settle down once again. Life may be
wonderful during the honeymoon period and the thought that another
relationship might fail often never enters your mind. Discussions
around money and assets can be seen as unromantic and even
offensive!
By Surendra Bennett - 5 Apr 2018
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The government is to introduce a ban on foreign buyers from
buying existing dwellings. What could this mean for developers?
By Steven Lee - 14 Dec 2017
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While the 'parent settlors' of a family trust are alive
and have their mental capacity, the issue of monitoring what the
trust is doing is not an issue. But once the parents die or lose
capacity and the administration of the trust transfers to the
'professional trustees', it often becomes the task of the children
to ensure that the trustees act reasonably, competently and are
held to account for their decisions. But how?
By Andrew Steele - 8 Sep 2017
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