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 …
Separation can be a difficult process. Not only are there a lot of emotions involved, but there are likely to be assets that are owned jointly, or separately but which have been used by both parties during the relationship. Working out who gets to keep what can be straight forward in some cases, but often …
If we split, who gets the family dog and do I have to give back the rings? Read More »
Family violence is incredibly common throughout the world, but Aotearoa New Zealand has a particular problem with high levels of family violence occurring. With the stress that the COVID-19 pandemic has added, it has been reported that family violence levels are at an all time high. One way of seeking protection from family violence is …
If you are involved with sports clubs, religious groups, other community or social associations, or even certain iwi organisations – the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 (the Act) may affect you and your organisation. At over 100 years old, the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 was no longer able to keep up with the needs of …
The Incorporated Societies Act 2022: changes you need to know about Read More »
Neighbours are commonly grappling with issues about their fences: one neighbour may want to upgrade a boundary fence and the other refuses to pay their fair share, you may find out that your boundary fence is not on the true boundary of your property, or your neighbour may have built a fence which obstructs your …
The report of the Holidays Act Taskforce, focussing on problems with the Holidays Act 2003 (“the Act”), was released to the Government in late 2019. The Government has since announced it has accepted all of the Holidays Act Taskforce’s recommendations. Employers and employees can expect legislation reflecting these changes to be introduced prior to the …
Anticipated changes to the Holidays Act– what Employers and Employees can expect Read More »
Further to our note in September 2021 about the proposed changes to the intensive winter grazing (IWG) regulations, these have now been finalised. This article outlines what the amendments to the IWG regulations mean for farmers. As we are in the midst of winter, farmers are altering their farm practices to combat feed shortages that …
Amendments to the Intensive Winter Grazing Regulations Read More »
The Family Court (Family Court Associates) Legislation Bill (Bill) has recently been introduced to deal with the significant backlogs in the Family Court. Part of the reason for Family Court delays is the high workload of Judges, as well as the impact of Covid on staffing levels. The Bill creates a new role in the …
Good employment relationships are central to a business’s success. However, sometimes these relationships break down. When this happens, the parties may be able to resolve the problem between themselves or at mediation. Where a matter cannot be resolved informally, or urgent relief is required, either party may refer the matter to the Employment Relations Authority …
Are the benefits worth the costs in the Employment Relations Authority? Read More »
COVID-19 has placed unprecedented stress upon businesses and employers across New Zealand. While some are struggling to fill roles, others are discovering that they need to restructure to reduce costs, or operate more efficiently. Businesses are able to change their structuring as is commercially necessary. In doing so they need to ensure that their restructure …
