News & Articles

Court of Appeal decision: what happens when builders go bankrupt and leave homes unfinished?

In a recent case, the New Zealand Court of Appeal in Francis v Gross made an important decision about what happens when buyers of unfinished homes – called “pods” or…

Stay Sharp August 2017

With the closure of Baywave TECT Acquatic & Leisure Centre this week for urgent seismic remedial work, Hamish Murray’s article on strong rules for weak buildings will interest those involved…

Think Twice Before Letting Your “Other Half” Move In!

Making the decision to live with your partner is an exciting time. It is a big step, not just emotionally, but also legally. The law in New Zealand creates a…

Important Changes To Commercial Contracts – Contract And Commercial Law Act 2017

The Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (“CCL Act”) is set to make some practical changes to a wide range of commercial contracts and will come into force on 1…

Recruitment – Be Discerning, Not Discriminatory

A recent story in the NZ Herald highlights a common mistake many employers make when recruiting staff. An advertisement placed by an Auckland vet clinic suggested that the position was…

Stay Sharp June 2017

The recent global cyber attack has kept many businesses on tenterhooks this week, with the Port of Tauranga using manual systems to process Maersk vessels. We are lucky that our…

Company Law – Signing Up As A Company Prior To Incorporation

On occasion, people sign documents in the name of or on behalf of a company that does not exist, but with the intent to form that company in the very…

Building Contracts Explained – Fixed Price Agreements And Expectations

If you’re building a new home under a fixed price contract, you’ve probably been impressed with the style, finishes and fixtures of a show home and think that this is…

Skilled Migrant Category Rules Change Again

The latest raft of changes in the Government’s reset of the permanent visa categories were announced in April 2017. These changes bring an income threshold for applications under the Skilled…

Rental Shortage Bites Wannabe Landlord

The shortage of rental property combined with families in desperate need of accommodation was a recipe for disaster for a Manurewa landlord recently who was ordered to repay $15,840 in…