Latest updates

26 August 2021

Cancelling Commercial Leases in a COVID-19 World

Along with the current impacts of COVID-19 on our everyday lives, law changes made by the Government are also having an ongoing effect on relationships between commercial landlords and their tenants.

18 August 2021

COVID-19 - Key Updates - August 2021

Lockdown employment law tips - The country has gone into a snap nationwide Level 4 lockdown. The lockdown is fast-moving, so this information may evolve as the situation develops. We have all experienced a lockdown before, however, this is the most sudden countrywide lockdown to date.

15 August 2021

Fair Pay Agreements

At the beginning of May, the Government announced their proposal for a Fair Pay Agreement System. If enacted, this will be a significant overhaul of employment relations law in New Zealand.

20 July 2021

Farm Debt Mediation

1 July 2021 was the first anniversary of the Farm Debt Mediation Act 2019 fully coming into force. It’s now an opportune time to be reminded how the Farm Debt Mediation Scheme operates.

5 July 2021

Working Visas for Rural Employers

Migrant workers play a critical role in filling job openings not filled by local labour. However, it’s important for employers to understand that there are significant differences between employing New Zealand citizens and employing migrant
workers.

20 June 2021

New Zealand approves paid leave after a miscarriage or still-birth

As of 1 April 2021, the Holidays (Bereavement Leave for Miscarriage) Amendment Act 2021 took effect. This act gives grieving parents three days of bereavement leave following a miscarriage or stillbirth.

16 February 2021

Alcohol licensing: Police Opposition to Licence Applications

Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (the Act), the Police must look into alcohol licence applications and file a report with the District Licensing Committee (DLC) within 15 working days if they have matters in opposition to the application. DLCs are committees appointed by local authorities to consider and determine alcohol licence applications.

7 December 2020

Christmas Parties and Confidential Information — A Potentially Dangerous Mix

The silly season is nearly here and more importantly 2020 is almost over! Before we can say goodbye to one of the strangest and most challenging years, we get to enjoy the tradition of the work Christmas party.

30 November 2020

New requirements under the Privacy Act 2020 — Mandatory notifications for serious privacy breaches

The new Privacy Act 2020 (Act) comes into force on 1 December 2020. One of the more significant changes introduced is the requirement of mandatory breach notifications for serious breaches of privacy. This new framework places a higher responsibility on agencies to notify the Privacy Commissioner and affected individual(s) when there has been a serious breach.

30 November 2020

Overhaul of the Privacy Act — New changes coming into force 1 December 2020

The Privacy framework in New Zealand is due for its first major overhaul since the commencement of the Privacy Act 1993.

29 October 2020

Labour's Workplace Relations & Safety policy

Labour’s Workplace Relations Safety policy promises more sick leave, increased wages, pay equity, and increased protections for vulnerable workers. Given the strong mandate Labour has received to govern, it’s likely changes to New Zealand’s employment law are imminent.

10 September 2020

Attention Landlords and Tenants — key changes are coming!

There have been significant amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA) which came into force on 12 August 2020. The changes are rolling out in three “stages”.

3 September 2020

Enforcement of commercial rent if parties have not agreed on a fair reduction during lockdown

Clause 27.5 of the Auckland District Law Society’s commercial lease broadly states that only a fair rental and outgoings is payable when the lessee has not been able to access the premises fully. It’s widely accepted that the clause applies to the Covid-19 lockdown.

23 July 2020

Remote working - the new normal

As a result of the Covid-19 lockdown, some employees were required to work remotely from their homes. Some have now found “the grass is greener on the other side” and want these arrangements to continue.

9 July 2020

Enforcement of personal guarantees

The impact of COVID-19 will see some companies facing liquidation or entering into creditor compromises. Many companies are unable to pay their debts on time or are paying reduced amounts. The new business debt hibernation might also begin to be used more widely which could slow or reduce payments further and some creditors won’t survive financially if they can’t recover more of their accounts receivable. Creditors tend to be pushing hard for payment now and generally New Zealanders are giving each other as much leeway as possible to get through this tough time together.

29 June 2020

Triangular Employment Relationships

All businesses should be aware of an employment law change which came into effect on 27 June 2020, particularly businesses that use labour-hire companies, temping agencies, or regular contractors.

5 April 2020

COVID-19 FAQ Sheet for Employers

Providing employers with general information about the Government’s COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS).

29 March 2020

Covid-19 and Service Tenancies

On 25 March 2020, the COVID-19 Response (Urgent Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 was passed and received royal assent. This included some major changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA) with temporary effect (three months at the moment but to be reconsidered).

26 March 2020

Commercial Leases & Covid-19

Many tenants and landlords are wondering how the current Alert Level 4 Lockdown (Lockdown) affects their commercial leases. This article provides a short general explanation of the potential legal effect of the Lockdown on your lease.