Buying property together? Understanding ownership options
Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common So, you’ve found the dream home, or at least one you can afford, and you’re buying it with someone else. Whether it’s your partner,…
Skilled Migrant Category Now Has An Extra Hurdle
The skilled migrant category changes bring an income threshold for applications under the Skilled Migrant residence category. For a role to be considered skilled, it must have a salary that matches the New Zealand median income of $48,859 a year. This change has allowed Immigration New Zealand to recognise that some jobs that might not…
It’s Now More Difficult To Get A Work Visa
Recent rule changes to the Essential Skills Work Visa category have added new barriers to overcome in order an application approved. The biggest change is the introduction of salary bands, which are determined by the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). These salary bands bring with them varying privileges including the length…
Six Things To Consider Before Buying An Apartment Off The Plan
With council planning rules in many urban centres focussing strongly on increasing density of housing, and with many proposed new apartment developments in the pipeline for Tauranga, apartment living and…
What Will The New Government Mean For Employment Law
A Labour-led government means we will see a number of changes to the employment law landscape. Some of their policies likely to affect you include: Changes to minimum employment rights…
Immigration Law Update – Why It Is Harder To Get A Work Visa
As promised, Immigration New Zealand have introduced a number of new rules under the Essential Skills Work Visa category. These rules came into effect from 28 August 2017. The most…
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!
Moving in with a partner who owns a house in NZ: what you need to know Making the decision to live with your partner is an exciting time. It is…
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…