Latest updates

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.

18 November 2020

Farm Tenancies, Landlord Responsibilities and Healthy Homes

Farm owners providing accommodation to employees must comply with the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. If you’re a farmer and a landlord you’d be forgiven for feeling the latest changes to the Residential Tenancies Act might seem daunting.

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”.