NZ moves to alert level 3 at 11.59pm Monday 27th April, so we have outlined what this means in practical terms for businesses able to get back to work. What Level 3 means in simple terms: If your business can be conducted from home, you must continue to do this unless it is not possible. …
Making the decision to live with your partner is an exciting time. It is a big step, but also requires some legal foresight. The law in New Zealand creates a legal duty between boyfriends/girlfriends/partners who are in “de facto” relationships. A de facto relationship is where two people live together similar to a married couple….
Covid-19 has the world focussed on our physical health, with good reason. During this time of uncertainty, we also should be thinking about our “legal health”. A quick check you can do from the comfort of your own home, is to ask yourself: Do you have a Will? If so, is it still relevant and…
With the country half way through the 4th week of lockdown, here are some of the most common queries we have received: Can I make staff use sick leave during lockdown? Sick leave should only be used if the staff member or a person they care for is sick or injured. Our business is an…
Contractors looking for guidance on on-site protocols for construction activities under Covid Level 3 can find them here. The standard has been created by Construction Health and Safety New Zealand.
The Government has issued guidance for what the Level 4 lockdown triggered by Covid-19 means for NZS3910 based contracts. The guidance advisory issued to public procuring agencies is that contractors will be entitled to a Variation and Extension of Time either: due to suspension by the Engineer under cl 6.7 (..suspension of whole or part…
New measures announced are part of a continuing effort by the government to support small and medium sized businesses stay in business during the current global pandemic. In addition to various tax benefits that have been rolled out to help with cashflow such as a tax loss carry back scheme and changing the tax loss…
Thursday 26th March was the start of New Zealand’s move to Alert Level 4 lockdown, with the Government asking all New Zealanders to stay at home. But what happens if “home” is a rental property? The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA) Under Covid-19 Response (Urgent Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 came about to clarify the…
What a chaotic and stressful end to the financial year it has been. Sharp Tudhope care about the health and safety of our clients, staff and community and we are hopeful you are all managing to stay sane and safe, wherever you are. Our team remains fully operational, via home offices, and available to help…
With the Covid-19 Level 4 lockdown now in place, we’re receiving queries from both commercial property landlords and tenants seeking to clarify their obligations during this unprecedented event. There is no “one size fits all” answer, and this will depend on the wording of your particular lease. For those with leases using the Auckland District…