SMEs (Small to Medium Businesses) Archives - Page 3 of 4

Growth Is Good – But At What Cost

10 May 2017

Infrastructure and travel networks are hot topics right now in the Bay of Plenty. Whilst we're happy to hear NZTA is reviewing its contractor's practices and the work programme for the Te Puna roundabout, and to see work underway to improve road safety, the works come at a cost to businesses in the direct vicinity...

Written by: Hamish Murray

Construction Contracts Update – Stage 3

10 April 2017

In 2015 an array of amendments was made to the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (CCA), to be implemented in three stages, namely on 1 December 2015, 1 September 2016, and 31 March 2017. Stage 3 amendments On 31 March 2017 the new retentions regime for constructions contracts came into force, which requires the payer to...

Written by: James Hakaria

Mbie Will Enforce A Migrant Employment Ban On Employers Who Breach Employment Standards

4 April 2017

From 1 April 2017, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) will enforce stand down periods for employing migrants for any employer who incurs employment standards-related penalties. This new regime is designed to protect migrant workers from exploitation. This group of employees are more vulnerable than domestic workers who enjoy protection from the existing...

Written by: Michelle Urquhart

Employment Law – Addressing The Gender Pay Gap

24 March 2017

How do you address the gender pay gap? This is the question the Joint Working Group on Pay Equity Principles (the JWG) had to answer when it was established by the government in 2015. This group consists of government, employer and union representatives and was tasked with recommending equal pay principles for government consideration. The...

Written by: Shima Grice

Growing Pains

1 March 2017

Those resistant to change are losing, and the free market economy is winning. The Bay of Plenty seems to be groaning under the weight, and the tension is visible; speeding drivers, traffic jams and accidents, trucks and machines everywhere, committees to talk about smart growth. We're growing rapidly and people want to join us. Those...

Written by: Hamish Murray

Penalty Payments Under Contracts

15 February 2017

Anybody who enters into contracts as part of a construction contract will be familiar with the idea of "liquidated damages". These clauses outline the amount of money which is payable by a party who breaches the contract. The amount payable under a liquidated damages clause is meant to be a genuine pre-estimate of the damage...

Written by: Janine McTainsh

Stay Sharp December 2016

22 December 2016

December has flown by and with the Christmas rush in full effect we aim to keep this newsletter short and sweet. With retail sales booming, Law Clerk, Alexia Grindle clarifies your rights in relation to exchanging goods and we introduce new recruit, Property Solicitor, Lauren Qiu. There's a reminder to those who own rental property...

Written by: Janine McTainsh

Stay Sharp October 2016

31 October 2016

It's hard to believe there are only eight working weeks until Christmas! Whilst we are looking forward to a break, we are also well aware that legal issues don't just go away over Christmas so the team are working hard to ensure client needs are met.for and Brooke Courtney tells us why due diligence is...

Written by: Janine McTainsh

Assigning A Lease – Are You “Off The Hook”?

12 September 2016

If you are thinking of selling your business and assigning your premises lease, or moving your business to new premises, you may need to assign your lease (assuming that the lease does not prohibit assignment). Normally, you will need your landlord's consent to the assignment. Before consenting to the assignment, your landlord must be satisfied...

Written by: Janine McTainsh

Employers – Are Your Staff Without Written Agreements?

2 September 2016

Despite legal requirements that all employees have a written employment agreement, thousands of New Zealand employees are still working without one, a recent survey by Statistics New Zealand has showed. The survey has shown that almost one in 10 employees do not have their terms and conditions in writing. Casual and part-time employees are the worst affected...

Written by: Shima Grice