How to avoid disinheriting your children without leaving your new partner high and dry. If you have children from a prior relationship and a new partner it is important your Will balances the needs of your partner and children and each of their potential claims against your estate. Family Protection Act 1955 obligations Under the …
The Government is seeking feedback on changes to how the National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry (NESPF) manage plantation and exotic carbon forests. Under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) the forestry sector can earn (and then sell) carbon credits by planting exotic forests, which absorb carbon dioxide and contribute to meeting emissions reduction targets. This …
Similar to the trend seen overseas, working remotely has become a more common and standard practice, which has impacted the way some businesses now operate in New Zealand. Accordingly, when tenants under commercial leases are reviewing their leasing requirements they may decide that they no longer require the same area of premises. This may lead …
Commercial Leases: Key differences between an Assignment of Lease and a Sublease Read More »
The National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL) has come out strongly in favour of protecting productive land and looks set to hold the line on this except in limited circumstances. The NPS-HPL will sit alongside other national policy statements such as the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and the National Policy Statement …
The Dirt: the New National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land Read More »
Over eighty 80 per cent of New Zealanders were born during Elizabeth II’s reign. It has been 70 years since the last death of a reigning monarch. Even with the last change in monarch, out of living memory for most, New Zealand’s uncodified constitution sets out clear rules and precedents to govern today’s events. The …
Continuity and change – what the Queen’s death means for New Zealand Read More »
The Employment Relations Authority has recently found that an employer unjustifiably dismissed an employee after they refused to cover their newly dyed blue hair. Background The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has ordered an employer to pay their former employee nearly $10,000 after she was summarily dismissed without notice for divisive behaviour and refusal to comply …
An employee focused approach in a recent case involving dress codes Read More »
If you feel like you haven’t been properly provided for by a close family member or friend, you are able to apply to the Court for this to be changed. This can be done in a number of ways, but the two main laws are the Family Protection Act 1955 (FPA) and the Law Reform …
Inflation and the rising cost of living is affecting a lot of New Zealanders. Those who entered the property market with record low interest rates may start to feel the pinch as these rates continue to climb. So what should you do if you can’t meet your mortgage repayments? Talk to your lenderIf you think …
What happens if you can’t make your mortgage repayments? Read More »
A well drafted Will reduces the time, money and stress of administering your estate when you pass. At Holland Beckett, we take the time to ensure that your Will suits your circumstances, while keeping it simple. Below are our top 5 tips to ensure that your Will is fit for purpose: 1. Choose the right …
New Zealand’s first National Adaptation Plan (the Plan) has now been published. This Plan is required under the Climate Change Response Act 2002 and responds to the risks identified in the National Climate Change Risk Assessment 2020, which included risks relating to indigenous and coastal ecosystems, communities, the economy, and the built environment. At a …
