News & Resources

A trade mark is a badge of origin, it allows customers to distinguish the goods and/or services of one trader from those of another. 

The Emissions Trading Scheme was implemented under the Climate Change Response Act 2002 and is a key tool for ensuring that New Zealand meets its domestic and international climate change targets.

As of 21 December 2021, the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 came into force amending the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) to set new medium density residential standards (MDRS) and make other amendments to the RMA that are set to change the future of housing development in New Zealand.

With transmission and contacts increasing, and the high number of people being required to isolate and therefore be absent from the workplace, issues may arise as to whether or not an employer is required to pay an employee who is isolating. 

There is no legal or regulatory requirement (vaccine mandate) for tamariki or children to be vaccinated. This means it is up to a child’s legal guardians to decide if they want their child to be vaccinated. Such a decision may be straightforward in many households – but what if one parent doesn’t agree?

Buying into a retirement village is a decision that many people consider as part of their retirement planning.  Like all decisions of this size, it’s one that require careful consideration.

A new law has come in affecting how creditors can take enforcement steps against borrowers and guarantors of farm debts.

A recent court decision gives trustees guidance on two factors that can be considered by trustees when making distributions to beneficiaries.

The recent arrival of the highly contagious Omicron variant in New Zealand has prompted further developments in the Government’s COVID-19 response. Health advice that a third dose of the Pfizer and other COVID-19 vaccines is required to offer immunity against Omicron has led to a further extension of the existing vaccine mandate to include a booster shot requirement.

Many families and whānau have shared parenting agreements and/or have ongoing proceedings within the Family Court. The courts are an essential service which remain open at each traffic light setting (Red, Orange and Green). However, to minimise the spread of COVID-19, the Ministry of Justice has developed court entry requirements which apply under each of the traffic light settings.

We have recently welcomed Melissa Hunia (solicitor), Sarah Mason (graduate lawyer) and Lisa Ingham (receptionist) to the firm.  We also have six law students with us as part of our annual summer clerk program.  We are always keen to hear from talented people interested in joining our team, whether or not we have current vacancies.

The Government is reviewing Aotearoa/New Zealand’s conservation laws and has released a roadmap setting out its work programme.

• Consultation with mana whenua around High Protection Areas in the Hauraki Gulf – closes February 2022.
• Public consultation around reclassifying stewardship land – closes 18 March 2022.