COVID-19 – Key Questions on COVID-19 for Employers
Since the announcement of the Government’s COVID-19 Wage and Leave Subsidies we have received a number of questions about how they are to be applied. Advice on specific queries may be required but we address these general pātai in this article.
COVID-19 – Basics of the COVID-19 Wage and Leave Subsidies
Business owners are understandably concerned as to the implications that COVID-19 will have on their business and employees, and how to navigate through the uncertainty. In response, the government have issued the Wage and Leave Subsidies to support the economy and business community through difficult times. The first step is to understand the basics and determine which subsidy should apply for your case.
COVID-19 – Can we use electronic signatures to sign documents?
With the current restrictions placed on New Zealand due to Covid-19, many people may now be considering the use of electronic signatures for legal documents. In this article we summarise the law on the use of electronic signatures and discuss the differences between “digital signatures” and other forms of electronic signature.
COVID-19 – What happens to my commercial lease?
Many commercial tenants are currently unable to access their premises to operate their businesses due to the COVID-19 Level 4 Government restrictions. This is prompting discussions between landlords and tenants around rent reductions and other relief measures, and both need to be aware of their obligations and the need to act in good faith.
COVID-19 - Employer Obligations
During this time of uncertainty there is understandable anxiety and concern about the implications of Covid-19 on many fronts. This is certainly the case for many employers and employees across the country. We have seen employers going above and beyond for their employees and adapting to this unique situation. When considering solutions, understanding the legal rights and obligations is important.
Business law issues arising from COVID-19
What are some of the business law issues arising from the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic? In particular, what scope is there to invoke contractual force majeure provisions?
Trusts Act 2019
Trust Law in New Zealand is finally getting the upgrade it needs after more than 60 years have passed since the Trustee Act 1956 was enacted. On 30 January 2021, the Trusts Act 2019 will replace the 1956 Act, triggering a review of the estimated 300,000-500,000 trusts in New Zealand. If you are a settlor, trustee, or a beneficiary of any trust (including a charitable trust) there are some important things you need to know.
What to know if you’re restructuring your business and employee roles
Think you need to make some changes to the current roles within your team? Maybe the business isn’t doing so well or just lost a major contract? Or do recent changes to your systems or technology mean that you just don’t need people doing the same mahi anymore? Sounds like you might need to look at a restructure process.
Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill: Succession
Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill introduces key changes to provisions in the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 which seek to simplify the succession process. This week we examine the substance of those amendments and the practical effects of the proposed amendments.
Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill: Court Jurisdiction and Powers
Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill introduces key changes to provisions in the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 that enhance or extend the jurisdiction and powers of the Māori Land Court. This week we examine the proposed amendments to the proposed new jurisdiction and powers which are aimed at creating efficiencies for the Court and the public.
Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill: Property Amendments
Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill introduces key changes to provisions in the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 on how the Māori Land Court deals with property rights. This week we examine the proposed amendments to these rights which are aimed at making the Māori Land Court more “user friendly”.
Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill: Trusts and Incorporations
The Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill proposes a number of amendments to Māori trusts and incorporations designed to simplify the Māori Land Court process for uncontested matters. This week we examine the substance of those amendments and the practical effects of the proposed amendments.
Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill: Māori Land Court and Dispute Resolution
Whatungarongaro te tangata toitū te whenua
The Government has recently introduced Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill. The Bill introduces a number of practical and technical amendments to Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 designed to enable Māori land to work better for whānau. The purpose of the Bill is to ensure the intergenerational wellbeing of Māori landowners and to provide for the utilisation of their whenua.
Licence to occupy – all you need to know
A licence to occupy provides an option for beneficial owners of Māori freehold land and their whānau to utilise their whenua as a site for housing. In this article we discuss what a license to occupy is, the rights of the license holder and the underlying owners and how to apply for a license to occupy Māori freehold land.
Fiduciary duties of parents to their adult children: Potential for change
A recent High Court case confirming that settlors of family trusts are free to dispose of property as they see fit and, as the law currently stands, do not owe fiduciary duties to their adult children who are not beneficiaries. However, recent comments by Associate Judge Johnston and the Law Commission signal the need for Parliamentary reform in this area.