US Tariffs: Keep Calm, Carry On
US Tariffs: Keep Calm, Carry On There’s been a lot of justified noise around the recent US tariff announcements. Global share markets have seen considerable volatility due to the resulting…
The tricky question of employee vs independent contractor
The question of whether someone is an employee, or a contractor, can have significant implications for both parties. This question has been hotly debated, and the Employment Relations Authority and…
Does your house insurance policy cover a total loss?
After the Christchurch earthquake many insurance companies changed their house insurance policies from “full replacement” cover to “sum insured” amounts. This meant that if your house was damaged or destroyed,…
Congratulations to Bonnie Pitchford
Congratulations to Bonnie Pitchford on her recent promotion to Senior Solicitor. Bonnie joined the firm in 2021 and has quickly established herself as an integral part of our property team. …
Reverse Mortgages Explained
Most homeowners and purchasers of property are familiar with the concept of a mortgage. Simply put, a mortgage is the way in which a bank / lender takes security for…
Sharp Tudhope’s newest lawyers
Congratulations to Meg Skilton and Kate Bennett who were admitted to the bar at the High Court in Tauranga on Friday 5th August. The admission ceremony is a culmination of…
Failing to comply with minimum employment standards costly for employer
A recent Employment Relations Authority (ERA) hearing has found that a Dunedin bakery owner failed to pay its three employees correct wages, sick leave and holiday pay. The workers employed…
Parental leave payments to increase from 1 July
From today, eligible employees will receive an increase in the maximum weekly payment from $621.76 to $661.12 per week gross. The 6.33% increase is in line with the rise in…
Retirement village framework policy review proposed
A recent CFFC (Commission for Financial Capability) White Paper has proposed a complete policy review of the retirement villages framework which has not taken place since the Retirement Villages Act…
New rules for whistleblowers from 1 July
Significant changes are being made in New Zealand workplaces to better protect whistleblowers. The Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 is set to replace the Protected Disclosures Act 2000…