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Norris Ward McKinnon House, Level 7
711 Victoria Street
Hamilton 3204
Ph: 07 834 6000
Fax: 07 834 6100
Hakanoa House
172 Main Street
Huntly 3700
Ph: 07 828 7433
(Monday and Thursday, 9am-5pm)
Private Bag 3098
Waikato Mail Centre
Hamilton 3240
DX GP20022
All email enquiries
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Since 1919

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30 April 2025

Incorporated Societies - To reregister or not to reregister?

Has your incorporated society recently received a notice from the Registrar of Incorporated Societies stating that your society must reregister before 5 April 2026 to continue operating, or it will be removed from the register?


If so, your society must take action; whether or not it wishes to continue operating.

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4 February 2025

Commercial eSpeaking - Summer 2025

Is the Summer 2025 issue of Commercial eSpeaking: Health & Safety: Successful prosecution of chief executive; Fair Pay Agreements Repeal Act 2023; Business briefs: Commerce Act 1986 and Commerce Commission review; Reform of overseas investment laws to boost economic growth; Tax changes for charities.

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28 November 2024

Fineprint - Summer 2024

Inside the Summer 2024 edition of Fineprint: Why should I look at my will?; Hiring casual employees - Employers have significant legal responsibilities; Eligible investor exemption; Modernising the Companies Act; Feedback about NZ Post's service obligations; Beware of scammers in the coming Christmas season.

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7 October 2024

Commercial eSpeaking - Spring 2024

In the Spring 2024 issue of Commercial eSpeaking: Voidable transactions: Liquidator can claw back payments; Embracing Tikanga Māori in your commercial contracts: Seeking ways to respect and incorporate differences into business practices; Business briefs: Companies Act reforms announced – Siouxsie Wiles employment decision – New bill to improve consumer data rights – Changes to insurance industry coming – Uber appeal dismissed: drivers are employees.

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8 August 2024

Rural eSpeaking - Winter 2024

In this edition of Rural eSpeaking: Budget 2024: What was in it for the rural sector?; The future of indoor pig farming: Concerns that policy is threatening indoor pig farming; Over the fence: Service tenancies on the farm – Checking terms of engagement regarding liability – Farm lease coming to an end? What is required.

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5 August 2024

Capital Letter - NZ firm seconds third lawyer to Cook Islands

Geoff Adlum discusses Norris Ward McKinnon's Cook Islands secondment programme in the latest issue of Capital Letter.

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25 July 2024

Fineprint - Winter 2024

Inside the Winter 2024 issue of Fineprint: Preparing your business for sale; Providing for your family in your will – You have some legal obligations; Employee burnout – Acknowledge and address this; Avoiding scams – Tips to protect yourself; Postscript: Holidays Act 2003 to be overhauled – Roadside drug testing to be rolled out – Visual artists will receive royalties when work on-sold.

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17 June 2024

Commercial eSpeaking - Winter 2024

In the Winter 2024 issue of Commercial eSpeaking: The Budget: A no-frills outlook; Can losses be recovered from a faulty building? Design professionals can rely on limited liability clauses; Business briefs: Five companies sentenced over Whakaari/White Island eruption; Navigating financial distress; Commerce Commission win over Viagogo – CCCFA update

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30 May 2024

Voidable Transactions

Short article on how creditors should respond to Voidable Transaction notices (VT Notice) when a debtor goes into liquidation.

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9 April 2024

Fineprint - Autumn 2024

In the Autumn 2024 edition of Fineprint: Invoices not being paid on time? A steer for debtors and creditors; Personal grievances: Employers must act in good faith; Receiving an inheritance during your relationship; Do I still need a trust?; Postscript: Incorporated societies: must register by April 2026 – Minimum wage increases – Before you dig.

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27 February 2024

Government to Repeal Business Payment Practices Act 2023

The NZ Government will repeal the Business Payment Practices Act 2023. We give you an update.

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15 February 2024

Commercial eSpeaking - Summer 2024

Inside the Summer 2024 issue of Commercial eSpeaking: Trial periods vs. probation periods: Both are useful for employers; Whakaari/White Island eruption - Health & Safety Lessons; Business briefs: Cartel conduct: New Zealand's first ever criminal cartel prosecution; Privacy proposals for biometrics; New reporting obligations for large businesses.

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18 December 2023

Fineprint - Summer 2023

In the Summer 2023 issue of Fineprint: Two decades on: Proposed changes to the Retirement Villages Act 2003; What happens to your children when you separate?; Generative AI and copyright: Are you taking the right precautions?; Receivership, voluntary administration and liquidation: What are the differences?; Postscript: Mainzeal case and the implications for current and future directors.

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12 December 2023

Incorporated Societies - key changes

The law governing incorporated societies in New Zealand has undergone some key changes. We outline the changes, and what incorporated societies need to do.

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16 October 2023

Business Payment Practices Act 2023: New Reporting Obligations for Large Businesses

A follow-up article to our update on 4th April 2023, on the implications for businesses of the Business Payment Practices Act 2023, which comes into effect in May 2024.

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28 September 2023

Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Act 2023: Are you prepared?

To provide an update on our last article, the Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Bill received royal assent in April 2023 (now known as the Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Act 2023 (Act)) and will come into effect on 5 October 2023. The Act seeks to clarify how retention money is managed under the current retention money regime set out in the Construction Contracts Act 2022.

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26 September 2023

Commercial eSpeaking - Spring 2023

In the Spring 2023 edition of Commercial eSpeaking: Mainzeal decision – major implications for company directors; New retention monies legislation gives better protection – comes into force on 5 October; Business briefs: Lego wins trade mark dispute with Zuru; Start preparing for the Incorporated Societies Act 2022; ESG and directors: the Companies (Directors’ Duties) Amendment Act 2023 now in force.

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14 September 2023

Who owns 'Up the Wahs'?

‘Up the Wahs’ has been sweeping the nation as the Warriors have had one of their most successful seasons in over a decade. But ownership of the phrase was called into question when the Warriors applied to register it as a trade mark, only to find craft beer brewing company Good George had beaten them to it.

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30 July 2023

Fineprint - Winter 2023

In the Winter 2023 edition of Fineprint: Land covenants: now commonplace in residential developments; Advance directives: right to choose your healthcare; School boards of trustees: significant obligations and responsibilities; Time changed to raise personal grievance for sexual harassment: extended from 90 days to 12 months; Postscript: Firearms Register now up and running – Looking after your mental health.

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15 June 2023

Building in an Economic Downturn

Building companies collapsing during economic downturns is nothing new in New Zealand. It seems the rate of collapse can often be an economic indicator in and of itself. If you are in the market to engage a builder or construction company, we list some of the things to think about when signing up for work to be undertaken.

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15 June 2023

Leveraging Terms of Trade for Cashflow

Despite New Zealand dipping into recession recently, and the doom and gloom of various commentators, business carries on. The unfortunate side effect is payment days for accounts receivable starting to push out, with the odd non-payer or bad debt starting to arise. This article provides a tactic to combat these issues.

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8 June 2023

Benefits of registering a trademark

A trade mark is a great way to distinguish your business from your competitors. It acts as a “badge of origin”, enabling consumers to identify your products or services in the marketplace. This short article discusses the benefits are registering a trademark.

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1 June 2023

Commercial eSpeaking - Winter 2023

In the Winter 2023 issue of Commercial eSpeaking, our commercial law newsletter:

  • 2023 Budget – key points;
  • Business continuity planning: An essential component of running a business;
  • Business briefs: Update on construction contracts retention regime – New obligations for businesses offering Buy Now Pay Later – Large businesses may need to disclose payment practices – Are your T&Cs unfair?
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11 May 2023

Construction Contracts Act 2002 – Payment Claims and Payment Schedules

The Construction Contracts Act 2002 governs the payment claim process between parties to construction contracts in New Zealand. This article discusses how the process works for both contractors and principals.

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3 May 2023

Rural eSpeaking - Autumn 2023

Inside the Autumn 2023 issue of Rural eSpeaking:

  • Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Act 2023: Assisting recovery and improving resilience
  • Leased land impacted by Hale and Gabrielle:Some options for lessees
  • Over the fence: Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Freshwater) Regulations 2020 now amended; Affordable Water Reform replaces Three Waters; Cyclone Gabrielle: animal welfare management
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20 April 2023

Fineprint - Autumn 2023

In the Autumn 2023 issue of Fineprint, our general law newsletter:

  • Keeping your employees during the ‘big quit’: Retention tools and some risks;
  • Guest editorial – Having a cyber resilient business. Jan Thornborough, founder of Intelligensia;
  • Bank of children: Children helping their parents;
  • Driving on a limited licence: Can be done, but strict conditions apply;
  • Postscript: Minimum wage increased on 1 April 2023 – Improving the sustainability of your supply chain.
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4 April 2023

Business Payment Practices Bill

New legislation to help small businesses get paid on time.

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14 March 2023

Bright-line test and lifestyle blocks

Lifestyle block owners … are you selling? Do you need guidance on the definition of residential land for the purposes of the bright-line test?

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2 March 2023

Buying or Selling a Farm in New Zealand

Farms are significant assets, so when it comes to buying or selling a farm, extra care should be taken to ensure that you’re getting the right advice. Whether you’re looking at a small or large-scale operation this article will provide a good framework to help you avoid common pitfalls when it’s time to buy or sell.

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21 February 2023

Commercial eSpeaking - Summer 2023

Inside the Summer 2023 edition of Commercial eSpeaking:

  • Letter of intent: Useful but can present problems;
  • What is the PPSR? Gives protection when leasing or selling goods;
  • Business briefs: Employment Court rules four Uber drivers are employees; Facial recognition and the Privacy Act: balancing security and individual rights; Cartel conduct: Commerce Commission warns eight freight forwarding companies.
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17 January 2023

Formal Warnings issued by the FMA for Non-Compliant Practices

Following a review of wholesale investments into property related offers, the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has issued formal warnings to seven property investment firms for alleged non-compliant practices.

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12 December 2022

Rural eSpeaking - Summer 2022

In the Summer 2022 of Rural eSpeaking, our rural law newsletter:

  • Trusts and succession: Trustee duties in farm succession planning
  • Protecting productive land: New policy statement – NPS-HPL
  • Over the fence: Increase in Recognised Seasonal Employer visas; Updates to intensive winter grazing requirements; Proposed changes to the dairy and cattle code of welfare
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8 December 2022

Fineprint - Summer 2022

In the Summer 2022 edition of Fineprint:


  • Greenwashing: ‘green’ credentials are good but take care

  • Insta # dismissal: employers, disrepute and social media

  • Shared parenting: relocating the children without consent

  • Attorney vs executor: what is the difference?

  • Postscript: Fair Pay Agreements legislation passed – some plastic products now banned
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13 November 2022

Commerce Commission warns freight forwarding companies

The Commerce Commission recently warned eight international freight forwarding companies for likely entering into cartel arrangements with Mondiale Freight Services Limited and Oceanbridge Shipping Limited between 2014 and 2018.

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22 September 2022

Commercial eSpeaking - Spring 2022

Inside the Spring 2022 issue of Commercial eSpeaking 2022: Contract compliance: Fair Trading Amendment Act 2021 now in force; Hybrid working: Now an option for many employees; Business briefs: Hiring migrant workers - what the new AEWV means for you; Changes to the Holidays Act on the horizon (but not before the Christmas holidays); FMA review of ethical investing.

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25 July 2022

Fineprint - Winter 2022

Inside the Winter 2022 edition of Fineprint:

  • Creditor compromise regime: Another option in insolvency;
  • Guest editorial from the ANZ: The economy - tougher times ahead?;
  • Love, heartbreak and . . . death? Make a new will and EPAs when you separate;
  • New Incorporated Societies Act 2022: Important changes and timeframes;
  • Postscript: Fair Pay Agreements Bill - Scams: be vigilant - New whistleblowing legislation now in force
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21 July 2022

To Give or Not to Give

The Charities Act 2005 (Act) provides the legal framework for registered charities in New Zealand. Now, changes are afoot for the Act.

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10 July 2022

Vendor Warranties - sale and purchase of Real Estate or a Business

When selling land or business, generally a vendor will give various warranties to a purchaser. These warranties are intended to provide a purchaser with promises that the vendor has made in respect of facts relating to a business or property, and these promises may have enticed a purchaser to enter into an agreement. There is an expectation that a purchaser can rely on these warranties and that the purchaser will get what they’ve paid for.

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28 June 2022

Relocating your business: what to do with your current lease

There are often many circumstances which make it necessary to bring a lease to an end early. It’s important to understand the options available to you when trying to terminate or get out of your lease early. There is an increased risk to you if you don’t end your existing lease correctly.

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30 May 2022

Commercial eSpeaking - Winter 2022

Inside the Winter 2022 edition of Commercial eSpeaking: 2022 Budget: Commentary on the main points; Proposed Income Insurance Scheme: Would be compulsory for most Kiwis; Business briefs: Fair Pay Agreements Bill on the table - Proposed legislation to address modern slavery and worker exploitation - Incorporated societies: what next? - Next stage of vaping legislation coming into effect.

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18 May 2022

Three Waters Reform Programme - Water Service Act 2021

What is 'Three Waters' and what impact will it have on our rural communities? 

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1 May 2022

Unfair Contract Regime extended to small business contracts – is your business ready?

Businesses have until 16 August 2022 to ensure they comply with the amendments to the Fair Trading Act (FTA). These changes extend the existing unfair contract terms (UCT) regime that currently applies to consumers, to standard form ‘small trade contracts’ in business-to-business relationships. It’s important that businesses understand the implications of these changes and review their practices.

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13 April 2022

Fineprint - Autumn 2022

Inside the Autumn 2022 edition of Fineprint: Mental health in the workplace: an employer's issue; Co-ownership arrangements: could be a good option to get on the property ladder; Checking your home is accurately insured: regularly review the sum insured; Helping your family before you pass away; Notifications of privacy breaches increase significantly: check systems are in place; Postscript - New holidays legislation in the pipeline - Minimum wage increased from 1 April

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13 April 2022

Mainzeal in the Supreme Court

Mainzeal Property and Construction Ltd (Mainzeal) was one of New Zealand’s largest construction companies before it was placed in liquidation on 28 February 2013. Given its prominence as a high-profile New Zealand business, the presence of a former Prime Minister on its board and the implications for corporate governance in New Zealand, the various Mainzeal court proceedings have received considerable attention. They have also been important given the implications various courts’ decisions have for company directors.

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14 March 2022

What to do when dealing with a customer or supplier of questionable solvency.

If you find yourself dealing with a supplier, customer or counterparty of questionable solvency, we have some options you may want to consider.

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27 February 2022

Trust eSpeaking - Autumn 2022

Inside the Autumn 2022 issue of Trust eSpeaking: Gift or loan? The importance of properly documenting advances between family members; Caring for Kiwis who cannot make decisions for themselves: Comparing with Britney Spears' conservatorship; Where there is a will, what is the way? A parent dies, but the child is unaware of the death.

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27 February 2022

What to do if your business is financially distressed

If you find yourself in a position where you cannot pay your bills as they fall due, we suggest that you consider the following options ...

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16 February 2022

Incorporated Societies – The New Act is Coming – What Does It Say?

From 16 February 2022, the new Incorporated Societies Act will be in the final stages of becoming law and, depending on the Parliamentary schedule, could be in place sometime in February or March 2022.

How do the “rules” in the new Act differ from those in the current (1908)Incorporated Societies Act?

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16 February 2022

Incorporated Societies – The New Act is Coming – What Should We Do?

From 16 February 2022, the new Incorporated Societies Act will be in the final stages of becoming law and, depending on the Parliamentary schedule, could be in place sometime in February or March 2022.

What does this mean for the estimated 23,000 societies currently incorporated under the 1908 Incorporated Societies Act?

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7 February 2022

Commercial eSpeaking - Summer 2022

Inside the Summer 2022 edition of Commercial eSpeaking: Contractors: a veritable minefield of employment law; Grounding your jet-setters: The Covid dilemma of annual leave and holidaying offshore; Business briefs: Charges against Bunnings dismissed; directors found trading recklessly may face multiple fines; important upcoming leglislation drafted.

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19 December 2021

Rural eSpeaking - Summer 2021

Inside the Summer 2021 edition of Rural eSpeaking: Water Services Act 2021: How does this affect the rural sector?; 'Nuisance' is still relevant in court: No fault is necessary; Over the fence: 2021 resident visa pathway for migrant workers - Covid on the farm - Vaccinations and employee rights.

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9 December 2021

Fineprint - Summer 2021

Inside the Summer 2021 issue of Fineprint: Defining a de facto relationship: not that straightforward when it comes to property; Lockdown rent relief: are there remedies?; Working from home: tax status of allowances; Digital Boost: a tool for small business; Waikato DHB cyber-attack: business owners must stay vigilant; Postscript: Looking after your wellbeing - Put Matariki 2022 into your calendar - Stay safe this summer.

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23 November 2021

Companies (Directors Duties) Amendment Bill - Amending directors' duties for stakeholders

The Companies (Directors Duties) Amendment Bill was drawn out of the Members Bill ballot on 23 September 2021. The Bill proposes an amendment to Section 131 of the Companies Act 1993 to make it clear that, when a director determines what is in the best interests of the company, the director may consider wider stakeholder interests and not just the financial bottom line.

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17 October 2021

Unfair Contract Regime Extended to Small Business Contracts

Businesses have less than a year to ensure terms in their small business contracts and their trade practices comply with requirements in the Fair Trading Amendment Act 2021 (Amendment Act).

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3 October 2021

Listing your Property on Airbnb - What you need to know about short-term accommodation

If you are considering opening your property up to holiday makers, there are a number of legal, regulatory and practical considerations you need to be aware of.

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26 September 2021

Property Sharing Agreements - Forcing a Sale

When you’re buying a property as tenants in common (see the article Joint Tenancy vs Tenancy in Common), it’s particularly important that you have a property sharing agreement that includes provisions on what to do if your property sharing relationship breaks down.

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13 September 2021

Commercial eSpeaking - Spring 2021

Inside the Spring 2021 edition of Commercial eSpeaking: Bonding agreements: Helping employers recoup training costs; Lease vs licence: Common contractual arrangements in commercial property; Business briefs: Unfair contract terms regime extended – Many welcome new sick leave provisions – Changes to the retention money regime for construction contracts.

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6 September 2021

Changes to the Retention Money Regime for Construction Contracts

If passed, the new Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Bill will change the way contractors hold retention money for subcontractors.

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4 August 2021

Rural eSpeaking - Winter 2021

Inside the Winter 2021 issue of Rural eSpeaking: Significant
Natural Areas: What are they? Should I be concerned?; Buying or leasing Māori land: What does 'alienation' mean in this context?; Over the fence: Climate Change Commission: carbon farming - Dairy worker border exception process - What is a 'state of emergency'?

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13 July 2021

Fineprint — Winter 2021

In the Winter 2021 edition of Fineprint: Buying off the plans becoming a more popular option in this tight housing market; New edition of To Trust or Not to Trust: updated since the Trusts Act 2019 came into force on 30 January 2021; Climate
Action Toolbox; Post-Covid working world: Keep employment agreements and policies up-to-date; An independent trustee: Can be more important than you might think; Postscript: Mature workers toolkit - Bright-line test extended to 10 years.

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11 May 2021

Rural eSpeaking — Autumn 2021

Rural leases - Should be more specific; Trusts - Still fit for purpose for farm ownership and succession?; Over the fence: Privacy Act 2020 - affects rural sector too; New residential tenancy laws: implications for farm accommodation; National Environmental Standards for Freshwater Regulations 2020 - impacts on winter grazing.

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4 May 2021

Fineprint - Autumn 2021

Social media - intellectual property owner's friend or foe?; Cyber security 101 for business; A child's right to a relationship with both their parents; LIM reports and property files; postscript.

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15 April 2021

Tiny Homes? How to protect your position when it comes to entering in to a leasing arrangement

Whether you're looking to buy a tiny home for the purpose of renting, or buying as an affordable option to owning your own home, very few think about the placement of their tiny home once it's complete and how to protect themselves when it comes to a landlord/tenant type relationship.

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22 March 2021

Property Speaking - Autumn 2021

Rent review in commercial leases; Reverse mortgages; Property briefs: Is your property fully insured?; Stage 2 of the Residential Tenancies Act changes now in force; Due diligence on a prospective tenant vs that person's right to privacy.

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16 February 2021

Commercial eSpeaking - Summer 2021

Raising capital for your business; Having a puff at work; Business briefs: Covid relief key expiry for businesses in 2021; Toolkit for employing mature-age workers; Minimum wage increases on 1 April 2021; Government proposes sick leave increase; Working at Easter and ANZAC Day.

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21 December 2020

Rural eSpeaking - Summer 2020

Investment in farming - A focus on syndicated farm investments; The finite supply of water - Water easements; Over the fence: Crown Pastoral Land Reform Bill - submissions open; Synlait settles Pokeno land dispute; Reminder: Trusts Act 2019 comes into effect on 30 January 2021.

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17 December 2020

The case for having Terms of Trade

A recent case in the High Court is a good reminder for why every business should have Terms of Trade.

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8 December 2020

Christmas Parties and Health and Safety Obligations — Avoiding a Legal Sack of Coal this Christmas

We’re in the festive season again, and many companies are planning or hosting their annual Christmas parties. This article sets out a few tips to help employers throw a safe and enjoyable Christmas party. If you haven’t already, check out our article on Christmas Parties and Confidentiality Obligations as well.

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26 November 2020

Fineprint - Summer 2020

Directorships mean significant obligations; Holiday houses; We're buying a house together; Building a fence in town.

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15 September 2020

Commercial eSpeaking - Spring 2020

COVID relief roundup - how many schemes are you eligible under?; OIO temporary emergency notification requirement - for all overseas purchasers; Business briefs: Privacy law changes; Remote working - the new normal; Know your contracts; 'Safe harbour' for directors to expire.

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16 August 2020

Rural eSpeaking - Winter-Spring 2020

Rural leases - more on COVID and access issues to land; National Environmental Standards for Freshwater 2020; Over the fence: Tougher firearms legislation now in force; Temporary work visas; New environmental legislation passed; Recommendation for the RMA be repealed.

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29 June 2020

Fineprint - Winter 2020

Emission control: What the Zero Carbon Act means for business; Editorial: Our new normal post-COVID; Charities in New Zealand; Privacy in an ever-evolving digital age: New Privacy Act.

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24 June 2020

Property Speaking - Winter 2020

Commercial leases post-COVID - Clause 27.5 and inability to access premises; Residential tenancies post-COVID - some temporary changes; Property briefs: Healthy homes standards compliance; Commercial landlord alert - changes for non-payment of rent; Mortgages and loans for property owners.

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10 June 2020

Fineprint - Autumn 2020

Going out on your own; How are enforceable penalties set out in controls?; Solving relationship property issues by mediation; Family protection and wills.

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28 May 2020

Commercial eSpeaking - Winter 2020

The Wellbeing Budget 2020: Rebuilding Together; Government's COVID-19 wage subsidy scheme - Not a 'gift', there are employer obligations; Business briefs: COVID-19 can be 'frustrating'; Debt recovery process; 'Safe harbour' for directors.

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7 May 2020

Rural eSpeaking

COVID-19 - Agriculture continues to be the mainstay of our economy; Rural leases - What if I can't get on the land in an extraordinary situation? Over the fence: Genuine reasons for fixed-term employment; Read terms of trade!; New Privacy Act will affect rural sector businesses.

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20 April 2020

Business Debt Hibernation

Following our recent article outlining the Government’s support packages for businesses, this article provides a short summary of how the Government’s proposed Business Debt Hibernation Scheme (Hibernation) is intended to work.

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7 April 2020

Proposed Relief from Director Duties - What does this mean for you?

On 3 April 2020, in response to the evolving COVID-19 situation, the Minister of Finance announced that the Government will be introducing significant changes to the Companies Act 1993 (Act) to help ease the effects being felt by companies and enabling directors to manage their director duties when grappling with the impact of COVID-19.

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24 March 2020

How does COVID-19 affect your commercial lease?

Whether you are a landlord or tenant, the current situation is going to raise certain challenges for both parties in respect of their rights, obligations and liabilities under the lease of a commercial premises.

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20 February 2020

Business partnerships - the law dictates the terms unless partners agree otherwise

There is one very good reason (among many others) why it’s important to clearly document any business arrangement.

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2 February 2020

Commercial eSpeaking - Summer 2020

Inside the Summer 2020 issue of Commercial eSpeaking: Shareholdings for employees or family members - rewarding value and increasing engagement; Restructuring your business - Consultation is key; Business briefs: Unfair business terms; Businesses should be cautious when sending commercial electronic messages; Manuka honey trade mark disputes.

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20 February 2019

Landlords, can a tenant assign their lease?

The rights of the landlord and tenant around the assignment of a lease will depend on either the written terms of your lease or the Property Law Act 2007 (“PLA”).

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19 June 2018

Thinking of subdividing your property? Considerations before you start.

With land prices at a premium and demand high, subdividing your land could be a great way to sell part of your property and use the money to repay debt or to invest. However, there are a number of considerations to make before jumping into the process feet first.

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15 December 2014

Receivership Or Liquidation - Does It Make Any Difference?

A company that owes you money goes into liquidation or receivership. Does it make any difference to you which it is?

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28 November 2019

Penalties and liquidated damages

Sometimes contracts include clauses which state that if a party to the contract fails to fulfil an obligation under the contract, then that party must pay an amount to the other party. Such clauses are unenforceable if they are seen as ‘penalty clauses’, which intend to punish a particular party to the contract.

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13 November 2019

Rights of renewal for leases - who is in the right?

On expiry of a lease term, a landlord may think they have every right to terminate the lease if the tenant has not exercised their right to renew. However, recent case law suggests that it may not be so easy for landlords to terminate a lease if the tenant wants to stay in the premises.

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17 October 2019

Is your business infringing someone else's intellectual property rights?

When starting a new business, there’s also one fundamental consideration which is often overlooked that can halt a new business. If your business infringes on another person’s intellectual property (such as a trade mark), you run the risk of having to re-brand and start from scratch, or potentially having to appear in court and pay damages to the other party for the infringement.

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Norris Ward McKinnon House, Level 7
711 Victoria Street
Hamilton 3204
Ph: 07 834 6000
Fax: 07 834 6100
Hakanoa House
172 Main Street
Huntly 3700
Ph: 07 828 7433
(Monday and Thursday, 9am-5pm)
Private Bag 3098
Waikato Mail Centre
Hamilton 3240
DX GP20022
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Since 1919