March 2023 The planet hitting a recent population milestone of over 8 billion people is certainly good timing for New Zealand's updated resource management framework, with the introduction of the Spatial Planning Bill and the Natural and Built Environment Bill (NBE).[1] These Bills are currently open for submissions. Main changes The new Acts will create… Read More.
November 2022 This article outlines and considers the implications of proposed and potentially transformative legislation around ‘no-fault termination’ that, if implemented, will have an impact on every business and worker in New Zealand. The Future of Work Tripartite Forum (the Forum) is a partnership between the Government, Business New Zealand, and the New Zealand Council… Read More.
November 2022 Many of you will probably be overwhelmed with the recent string of developments in immigration policy. In this article, we have summarised the most important developments. Skilled Migrant Category reopening Immigration Minister Michael Wood has recently announced that the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa – halted during Covid-19 border closures – will… Read More.
November 2022 A recent Commission for Financial Capability (CFFC) White Paper proposed a complete policy review of the retirement villages framework which has not taken place since the Retirement Villages Act 2003 legislation was enacted nearly 20 years ago. The 2020 White Paper highlighted flaws in the complaints system and confusing documentation and sought feedback.… Read More.
November 2022 A new Bill has been drawn from the ballot in Parliament that, if enacted, will bring some positive news to wineries with cellar doors. After a few years of limited visitors and staffing shortages we are pleased to report on some good news for the industry. This article discusses the proposed legislation and… Read More.
November 2022 Recent changes to the Fair Trading Act 1986 will affect most New Zealand businesses. Now is the time for businesses to familiarise themselves with the new rules to ensure their contracts and processes are compliant. Unfair contract terms The ban on unfair contract terms apply to standard form business-to-business contracts where the parties… Read More.
June 2022 Last year, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) imposed new requirements for disclosures and the preparing of financial statements by trusts. This was done largely to prevent trusts from being used to avoid the new 39% tax rate. Now, for the recent income year (and subsequent years), trustees will need to make disclosures to… Read More.
June 2022 The loopholes in the Construction Contracts Act’s (Act) retentions regime are about to tighten. Contractors are set to face an increased administrative burden when managing retentions. There will also be significant consequences if the Act is not complied with. This article outlines the changes that are currently being considered by Parliament. A retention… Read More.