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
read article 
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
read article 
New Zealand entered alert level 2 at 11.59 pm last night
and with that change, most businesses will be able to open their
doors to customers for the first time in six weeks. Schools are
also set to welcome back students as of Monday 18 May. While
the relaxation of restrictions are welcome, we are not entirely out
of the woods yet. Businesses and schools will have strict health
and safety management plans in place to reduce the potential spread
of COVID-19. For some people, this will mean they cannot attend
work/school if they are unwell, or until they have been tested and
cleared for the virus.
By Aimee Elia - 14 May 2020
read article 
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
read article 
We are delighted to announce that Tim Orr has joined the
partnership.
By Melissa Higham - 4 May 2020
read article 
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
read article 
Property owners and builders alike will have welcomed the
Government announcement this week that the country will move to
Alert Level 3 on 28 April, meaning that most on-site construction
work can begin again from that date. The initial joy (and relief)
of this news, however, will be quickly tempered by the realisation
that it is not going to be business as usual for some time
yet.
By Meika McHardy - 22 Apr 2020
read article 
The law has long required that wills be signed by the
will-maker in the presence of two witnesses. The Covid-19 lockdown
and mandatory distancing rules has prevented some wills from being
signed this way, especially where people live alone or with only
one other adult.
By Andrew Steele - 21 Apr 2020
read article 
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
read article 
It has been five days since New Zealand went into lockdown
in response to the Covid19 Pandemic, and separated parents sharing
care of their children have faced the unprecedented and daunting
issue of who the children will reside with during
lockdown.
By Dharsh Nanayakkara - 30 Mar 2020
read article