Beware festive foolery in the workplace
Pass the parcel, mind the mistletoe
An employer’s responsibility when employees are working alone
What onus is on employers to protect staff who are working alone. Duncan Cotterill partner Scott Wilson and Solcitor Summer Pringle look at this issue.
Duncan Cotterill announces three new partners
Duncan Cotterill is pleased to announce three new partners: Ayleath Foote, Stephanie Grieve and Brian Nathan to the litigation team
Employment News
Employment Update: Are your annual Holiday pay calculations correct? OSH decision good news for employers.
“Urgent action” needed on building standards
The Royal Commission’s Interim Report has implications for architects, engineers and developers across New Zealand
Christchurch's Draft Recovery Strategy
The draft Recovery Strategy document, released by CERA, sets the direction and priorities for a co-ordinated recovery for greater Christchurch. Submissions close on 30 October 2011.
Constructive dismissal claims can be costly
Employers might heave a sigh of relief when a worker resigns in difficult circumstances. But while it seems that a problem has been solved, an even bigger one may be looming. Scott Wilson and Summer Pringle discuss some of the pitfalls for employers.
Insurance Proceeds and damaged buildings
As a landlord, what are the tax consequences of receiving insurance proceeds relating to damaged buildings?
Red Zone residents - buying property
We are getting large number of enquiries from Red Zone residents about buying homes to replace their property in the Red Zone. There are numerous matters to be considered before you buy a new property will minimise the risks of getting into a
Having a Game Plan for the Rugby World Cup
Employment lawyers Sarah Townsend and Summer Pringle, of Duncan Cotterill, consider some workplace issues which could arise during the Rugby World Cup 2011.
Know the difference between chattels and fixtures
If you’re in the red zone and have to quit your home, what can you take when you leave your property?
Part Two: Homeowners in the red zone
The starting point to making a fully informed decision which will net the best possible outcome for you is to identify the extent of damage to your house. Is it “repairable” or is it “a total loss?” And what does your insurance policy entitle you to?
Part One: Red zone residents should assess all the options available to them.
You have two options with the CERA offer: Option 1 (sale of both land and buildings to the Crown) and Option 2 (sale of land only to the Crown). Richard Lang & Janine Ballinger discuss these options.
The draft City Plan – what are the issues?
We welcome the unique opportunity the draft City Plan provides to all of us who live in Christchurch. Here we look at the most pressing issues for retailers, commercial land owners/developers, and tenants.
Flying High – Drugs in the Workplace
The prevalence of synthetic cannabis in the workplace is an alarming development for employers.
Beware too many restrictions
There is a lot to be excited about in the draft Christchurch City Plan but we must be careful to avoid new restrictions and controls which threaten to constrain the opportunity to build a better Christchurch.
The draft City Plan for Christchurch
The draft City Plan has major consequences for commercial and retail property owners, developers and businesses.
More Regulation for non-bank finance firms
The Government is introducing further legislation to tighten the rules for non-bank deposit takers (NBDTs) in an attempt to lift investor confidence in financial institutions.
Safety comes first but who pays?
To pay or not to pay? What are an employer's obligations when natural events strike?
The Social Media Phenomenon
What constitutes 'misuse' in the employment environment?
Illegal downloading at work – an employer’s liability?
What is an employer’s liability if staff use a workplace computer to conduct illegal downloads.
Relationship Issues and the Family Farm
Richard Lang and Amanda Bradley take a closer look at the issues around family farms and the use of trusts to protect farms from relationship property claims.
Key Features of the New Unit Titles Legislation
The Unit Titles Act 2010 (the “Act”) comes into force on 20 June 2011.
A trust may not protect your property
Richard Lang and Amanda Bradley look at whether a trust would protect your assets if you enter a new relationship.
Ring fence assets for children
Keeping your will up to date to make sure your property goes to the right people after you die is a great idea, but it;s not always enough.
Privacy Commission red flags data in the cloud
Earlier this month, the Privacy Commissioner released the results of a survey of current practices relating to the international transfer of personal information by New Zealand organisations.
Buying and selling property can be stressful enough without an old flame jumping into the mix.
Don’t take anything for granted when love is thwarted. Tidy up the relationship property out of one relationship by completing a written relationship property agreement (rather than just a verbal division) before entering a new one.
Welcome to Juliette Derry who has joined as Partner in the Resource Management team.
She will lead the Property Projects Group which embraces large scale developments with urban planning, PPP and construction issues.
Risks in quake generosity
Richard Lang and Mark Mitchell look at the possible long-term implications of moving in together post earthquake.
Behind closed doors?
How far can employers interfere with their employee’s personal lives and expression of personal opinions?
The importance of groundwork
Richard Lang and Emma Tomblin of Duncan Cotterill Lawyers shine the spotlight on the issues you face if buying a house damaged in the earthquakes.
Congratulations to Jonathan Scragg on his recent appointment as partner in the Wellington office
Jonathan specialises in civil and commercial dispute resolution and insurance law.
Doing business in New Zealand
International companies are always looking for prospective investments and ventures in New Zealand. What factors should you be mindful of when setting up in New Zealand?
A guide to privacy & service providers
Giving a service provider access to your organisation's personal information opens the door to significant privacy risks. Ben Winslade, of Duncan Cotterill discusses these risks.
Seek advice before buying a bare section
Buying a section post-earthquake requires a few more checks and balances than it once did. Richard Lang and Suzy Garnett discuss what buyers need to consider.
Employment case sets new benchmark
A new Employment Court decision could radically change the way in which employers carry out restructuring and disciplinary processes.
Homework vital before purchase
Richard Lang and Mark Mitchell look at what to bear in mind when buying a property after the quakes.
Challenges and Opportunities for Business post earthquakes
Now is the time to scrutinise your business model. Richard Neave, of Duncan Cotterill Lawyers, discusses some of the issues.
Tenants' safety crucial
Home sweet home: Tenants are entitled to a safe home, and to have quiet enjoyment of it. Richard Lang and Janine Ballinger of Duncan Cotterill Lawyers look at the implications of renting out a property damaged in the earthquakes.
Understanding business interruption cover
Business interruption insurance is proving to be a thorny issue for earthquake-hit businesses. Duncan Cotterill litigation and insurance specialist Helen Smith examines what it may or may not cover.
Keeping the dream alive
Property buyers and sellers have been left pondering many questions since the Canterbury earthquakes. Richard Lang and Janine Ballinger explore some of the issues.
Fate of quake deals
Earthquake damage to properties has given rise to legal issues that have never been considered on this scale before. Richard Lang, Partner and Suzy Garnett, Solicitor look at some of the issues.
Case Affirms Test For Untenantability
A recent High Court decision sheds light on the question of untenantability. Paul Calder, of Duncan Cotterill, discusses what it means for landlords and tenants in Christchurch.
Dealing with the risks of cloud computing
There has already been a lot of talk about whether the devastation of the Christchurch earthquake will prompt a groundswell of businesses to move their IT systems into the cloud.
Onus on employers
Canterbury employers will need to treat this Friday’s day of mourning as a public holiday.
Leases and Canterbury's Shaking Ground
Commercial lease issues resulting from the Christchurch earthquake
Red Cross Emergency and Hardship Grants
Information on NZ Red Cross grants for people who have suffered as a result of the earthquake
Christchurch Earthquake Staff Updates
Notices & numbers for staff
Sexual harassment claims in the spotlight
The high profile David Jones sexual harassment claim is a sharp reminder to employers of the perils of improper behaviour at work.
The era of an ageing workforce
The issue of an ageing workforce is becoming increasingly prevalent in some industries where there is longevity of service and a demographic of 'baby boomers.'
Thinking twice about privacy
If you think text messages on your work-issued cell phone are private, think again.
The credits are rolling for pre-1990 forests
Owners of pre-1990 forests need to make a choice: do they apply for a free allocation of New Zealand Units (NZUs) or (if eligible) for an exemption from the obligations under the ETS?
Four golds for Duncan Cotterill
It was a stellar night for the firm at the 2010 NZ Law Awards
Duncan Cotterill lawyer promoted
Jonathan Forsey, a litigation lawyer with national and trans-Tasman firm Duncan Cotterill, has been promoted to the position of Special Counsel within the firm.
Employers can guard business secrets in the digital age
Aaron Dearden, a partner in our Sydney office was interviewed by Boardroom Radio, Australia.
2010 NZ Law Awards
Duncan Cotterill finalist in 10 categories in the law awards.
The Duncan Cotterill Business Lunch
In 'Food for Thought with Bill English' the Minister of Finance and Minister for Infrastructure will share his take on what lies ahead for the New Zealand economy in 2011.
Canterbury Earthquake
Business Guides & Helpsheets
To abate, or not to abate … that is the question
As Cantabrians gradually recover from the earthquake, tenants and landlords of damaged property are wrestling with the twin questions of how much should rent be abated and who decides on the amount.
Tough RM fines a warning to insurers
Hans van der Wal, an environmental law specialist at Duncan Cotterill, looks at how to reduce this big ticket statutory liability exposure.
New chair at Duncan Cotterill
Raewyn Lovett has been appointed the new chair of national and trans-Tasman lawyers Duncan Cotterill
New Zealand securities law under scrutiny
New Zealand’s securities law is set for a well overdue shake-up, with criticism that the current regime is often subjective and ambiguous.
Shake up of Employment Law on the cards
The Government has announced a number of proposed changes to employment laws. The "employment law package" has been designed to increase employment and boost the economy.
The Emissions Trading Scheme for forest owners
Duncan Cotterill Partner Oliver Roberts discusses the opportunities arising from Emissions Trading Scheme with Roger Bourne on TVNZ's Rural Delivery.
Carbon credits update
The pre-1990 forest land allocation plan has now been released, detailing who can claim a free allocation of carbon credits under the
The Money Tree and the ETS
How does the ETS apply to forests?
Unlocking the cash in carbon credits
Forest owners who join the ETS should be cautious in deciding what proportion of carbon credits to sell and what to do with any cash proceeds.
The courts mean business
A West Coast dairy farmer incurred a hefty $120,000 fine for illegal effluent discharges. Environmental law specialist Hans van der Wal of Duncan Cotterill says there are invaluable lessons for farmers so they can avoid the same problems.
Tough laws to protect RWC sponsors
New Zealand Rugby World Cup organisers must be watching with interest how issues of ambush marketing are being handled during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Consumer law reform
Seven consumer laws are being reviewed as part of a consumer law reform. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is currently welcoming feedback on the Consumer Law Reform discussion document.
The Last Word on Lehman Brothers - But Questions Remain
Many companies wishing to enter a compromise with creditors may have third parties liable for the same or associated debts – most obviously, guarantors and directors.
New Zealand Budget 2010 – Tax Package Highlights and International Issues
Budget 2010 is aimed at international competitiveness, productivity and growth, encouraging saving over spending and removing distortions in the tax system around property investment.
Bullying, Banter or Brusque Management?
Employers must take all practicable steps to ensure employees’ safety, including safety from psychological harm.
The ETS - what does it all mean?
Many businesses still do not yet fully understand the implications of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme and how it will affect them.
First for Duncan Cotterill
Duncan Cotterill is the first New Zealand law firm to introduce the MindServer search platform across its five national and trans-Tasman offices.
Duncan Cotterill sees bright future
Christchurch’s Claire Brighton, of the University of Canterbury, has won the coveted Duncan Cotterill Prize in Equity for 2009 and was joint winner of the Duncan Cotterill Award in Law for the best all round performance in Stage ll subjects.
Employment Relations Law cumbersome and confusing
Scott Wilson, Employment Partner comments in a recent article in LawNews.
Government has work cut out for it in Personal Grievance review
The Government is looking at changes to the personal grievance system to address issues such as costs, fairness, remedies and the 90-day trial period.
Sour aftertaste over dismissal
Getting coffee is all part of the job, as a U.S. receptionist discovered. Scott Wilson and Summer Pringle, of Duncan Cotterill’s employment law team, look at the human rights issue in this interesting case.
Duncan Cotterill hosts Salvation Army
The Salvation Army released its annual State of the Nation Report at functions in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland hosted by Duncan Cotterill.
Court knocks out loophole in the RMA
Sarah Day, an environmental lawyer at Duncan Cotterill, looks at recent attempts to avoid the reach of the RMA.
Farming under ETS - what's in store?
What does the Emissions Trading Scheme mean for the agriculture sector? Shoshona Goodall, an environmental law specialist at Duncan Cotterill, explains.
Franchising across the Ditch
New Zealand and Australia have a common heritage. We look much the same. We see the same brands in the marketplace. So it is quite surprising to many people just how far apart we are from a legal and regulatory perspective.
Deal quickly with poor performance
Most employers have to deal with issues of poor performance in their workplace at some point. Dealing with these issues can be frustrating and challenging but it is important to address them promptly and fairly.
Foresters grapple with devils in emission trading scheme's details
Owners of forests have learnt to be patient. Investment returns over 30 years are the norm but that has changed with the emissions trading scheme and the issue of carbon credits.
Behaving badly
A recent case involving a disgruntled social worker highlights how misconduct outside the workplace can justify dismissal. Leading employment lawyer Scott Wilson, of Duncan Cotterill, looks at what happened.
Insolvencies across borders
The Insolvency (Cross-Border) Act 2006, which adopts the UNCITRAL Model Law on cross border insolvency, has taken some time to have any apparent application in New Zealand.
Duncan Cotterill in innovative bond issue
National and trans Tasman law firm Duncan Cotterill has been immersed in the innovative philanthropic bond issue, recently announced by the University of Canterbury. The university plans to raise up to $100 million for major capital projects in NZ.
Taxation specialist joins Duncan Cotterill
Tania Reid, a taxation law specialist, has joined national and trans-Tasman firm Duncan Cotterill as an associate.
Food for thought
The Duncan Cotterill Business Lunch held in support of The Family Help Trust has raised $15,000 to assist its work with vulnerable children in Christchurch
RMA anomaly halts prosecutions
A Flurry of legal debates have sprung up around the country as to whether farmers and others can get off what appear to be clear offences under the Resource Management Act.
Capital move for Duncan Cotterill
Expansion at Duncan Cotterill in Wellington has prompted the law firm to shift to new premises, effective November 1. They will now be located in The Tower Building, Level 2, 50 Customhouse Quay.
Public set to benefit from new real estate agents law
The new Real Estate Agents Act comes into force in November. Will it give greater protection to consumers and what does it mean for agents? Real Estate law specialists Richard Smith and Blair Williams, of Duncan Cotterill, explain.
Beware the handshake deal
Richard Neave, a commercial specialist partner at Duncan Cotterill Lawyers, is currently aware of many businesses which are battling to recover money owed for work completed.
Beware fallout of on-farm accidents
The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 promotes prevention of harm to everyone in a workplace.
Duncan Cotterill partner heads trans-Tasman board
Raewyn Lovett, a partner at Duncan Cotterill, has been appointed the new chairman of the ANZ Netball Championship for the next two years.
The Duncan Cotterill Business Lunch - Food for Thought
Supporting the Family Help Trust, with the Hon Bill English Minister of Finance
Health Law – Targeted Investment in the Local Health Economy
Veronica Culpan, a health and commercial law specialist at Duncan Cotterill, looks at moves in the public sector to improve waiting times for patients.
GST non-payment - potential personal liability for Directors
Companies selling assets due to financial stress potentially leave directors exposed to personal liability for unpaid GST. Lawyers need to advise clients of this risk.
Councils crack down on burn-offs
Councils are cracking down on burn-offs so it’s vital to check if the rules have changed in your area, says Katie Edmunds, an environmental law specialist at Duncan Cotterill.
BB or not BB
The Government’s recent announcement that a revised retail deposit guarantee scheme will be available beyond October 2010 to entities that have a credit rating of BB or higher is stark news for the non bank deposit taking sector.
Employment Court backs Safe Air
Safe Air was perfectly within its rights to fire a male staff member for sending sexually explicit emails, an Employment Court judge has ruled.
Duncan Cotterill partner featured in Who's Who
Chris Bradley, a franchise law specialist partner at Duncan Cotterill, has been singled out by internationally -based Who’s Who’s Legal for his expertise in the sector.
Time to check out your consents
Spring is in the air and so too is the need to make sure your consents are in place for the new season.
Take two for section 92A - internet copyright infringement law
A Government appointed group working with Ministry of Economic Development officials has proposed a system comprising a series of warnings after which a rights holder can lay a complaint with the Copyright Tribunal.
Coup for Duncan Cotterill
Geoff Thompson, a senior figure in the National Party and leading Wellington lawyer, has joined national and trans-Tasman lawyers Duncan Cotterill as a consultant in their Wellington office.
Debt recovery
In the current economic climate, debt recovery is becoming more of a pressing issue. This is a quick reminder about some of the different processes, as well as some hints on what to do and what not to do.
Duncan Cotterill attracts top talent from overseas
Duncan Cotterill is delighted to appoint three new associates, two who have returned to the national and trans-Tasman firm after short absences.
Super City will have no watchdog on environment issues
Aucklanders may have to get used to seeing the Super City Council get its own way when it comes to resource management issues, writes Hans van der Wal, an environmental law specialist at Duncan Cotterill.
Employers need to be careful in dealing with parental leave
A recent decision of the Employment Relations Authority illustrates the risks for companies when employees on parental leave want to return early. Significant compensation can be involved. Dean Kilpatrick reviews the decision.
Consider all options before sacking
A change in semantics has had a significant impact on how employers are expected to act during dismissals. The change was clarified in a case brought by a former employee of Air New Zealand. Dean Kilpatrick, Associate at Duncan Cotterill explains.
Rules for selling rural property to overseas buyers
Are you thinking about selling your farm? If so you should be aware that if you receive an offer from someone overseas, there are certain advertising requirements you will probably need to meet.
Employers eye new law in Australia
The Australian employment law landscape changed significantly on July 1, with the introduction of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).
Due diligence not just for franchisees
Due diligence in franchising is a two way exercise – it’s at least as important for a franchisor as it is for a franchisee to be satisfied that the relationship will go well.
Taking it on trust can never be an excuse
Trustees along with other investors have had it reasonably easy in recent years when investing trust funds.
Duncan Cotterill makes senior appointments
Duncan Cotterill has promoted seven of its senior solicitors to associate status, recognising their specialist sector knowledge
What next for the meat industry?
Alternatives may need to be explored to the SFF and Alliance merger, given their acrimonious background. Oliver Roberts, a specialist in commerical and corporate law at Duncan Cotterill, discusses the issue.
Breaches of duty may prove costly if a worker resigns
Employers might breathe a sigh of relief when a worker resigns in acrimonious circumstances. But while it seems that a problem has been solved, an even bigger one may have been created.
Taxation policy still too vague
2009 Budget
It pays to set up properly
Richard Neave, a commercial law specialist at Duncan Cotterill, says proper planning when businesses set up can avoid costly shareholder disputes.
Duncan Cotterill on ANZAC tax
Pearson says that while New Zealand and Australia look much the same, it is surprising just how far apart they are from a legal and regulatory perspective. “It’s a common trap; assuming life is the same on the other side. It’s not!”
Avoid land use disputes
Many people have romantic notions of what it would be like to live in the country. However, dreams of life in a tranquil rural setting, away from the hustle and bustle of city living and the nuisance of neighbours, are not always the rural reality.
Duncan Cotterill adds another Australian partner
Duncan Cotterill is continuing to strengthen its senior ranks in Australia with the appointment of Jill Milburn as a partner in the Sydney office.
Dairy farmers face tougher penalties
A $50,000 fine imposed on a West Coast dairy farmer for a single discharge of shed effluent to a river highlights mounting pressure on the industry to stop polluting.
Australia: Impending Legislative Change
To the unitiated, employment law in Australia has always appeared confusing, not the least because of the combination of Federal and State laws, which can apply.
The “Twitter” Bug
Every now and then a website comes along which grabs everyone’s imagination and attention. This time it’s Twitter and everyone is using it - from Hollywood celebrities to the All Blacks and John Key.
Time to rethink terms of trade
There are a number of ways to minimise bad debt - and in today’s current climate this is more important than ever.
Structuring Considerations for a Move across the Tasman
New Zealand and Australia have a common heritage. We look much the same. We see the same brands in the market place. So it is quite surprising to many people just how far apart we are from a legal and regulatory perspective.
Prudent to prepare now for ETS
What impact will the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme have on the rural sector?
Australia - forward with fairness
The Federal Government has now introduced its much anticipated Workplace Relations Amendment (Transition to Forward with Fairness) Bill 2008 (Transition Bill).
Workplace squabbles demand action
We will never get on with everyone at work, but what happens when a personality conflict gets so serious that the situation is untenable?
What is a public building?
The 2004 Building Act has made it critical for the owners of new commercial and recently renovated buildings to know whether their building is considered to be for a public use under that Act.
Buying Irrigation?
The assumption that water is freely available to everyone is fast becoming a thing of the past. In reality, it is becoming increasingly hard to obtain water permits to take and use water for irrigation.
Risk management key to preventing disasters
In tough times it is all the more reason to have strategies to manage risk.
Emission Trading Scheme and the rural sector
What impact will the New Zealand Emissions Trading have on the rural sector?
Onus on trustees to act prudently
Family trusts are a common vehicle for investments. It has recently been estimated that there are more than 400,000 family trusts in New Zealand.
Learning the drill
Duncan Cotterill gave LT Thomas, a solicitor in our Nelson office, several months leave to pursue his passion with the Territorials. He is one of 43 New Zealand soldiers in the Solomon Islands.
Cross-border insolvency laws smooth the way
Frustrations at trying to recover money or assets from insolvent trans-Tasman companies may be alleviated by new legislation adopted in Australia and New Zealand.
Consider debts when setting up a trust
While trusts are a valuable way of protecting family assets from creditors, special attention needs to be given to any existing debts that could be affected by the transfer of assets to a trust.
Duncan Cotterill appoints four Christchurch partners
National and trans-Tasman law firm Duncan Cotterill has appointed four new partners to its Christchurch office: Richard Lang, Helen Smith, Scott Whitaker and Oliver Roberts.
Incompatability not a sacking offence - usually
We will never get on with everyone at work, but what happens when a personality conflict gets so serious that the situation is untenable?
Avoid being caught out by leaks
Advice on what to look out for, and what to do, with leaky buildings.
Why hanging on to PAYE can be disastrous
The consequences of non-payment can lead straight to jail
At the council’s mercy – wrestling with the RMA
No one wants to see “decent people” turned into criminals by strict laws or their overly zealous application.
Trial periods back in fashion
The new 90-day job trial period, which comes into effect March 1, may not be as straight forward as it seems.
Internet copyright proposal needs more tightening up
The controversial amendment to copyright legislation is too vague, according to leading IP law specialist Scott Moran, of Duncan Cotterill.
Unit Titles Bill – Something For Everyone
It is no secret within the property industry that the Unit Titles Act is outdated and in need of reform. A review has been under way for some time, culminating in the introduction of the Unit Titles Bill, which is still before Parliament.
Ex Minters tax specialist joins Duncan Cotterill
Mike Aitken, a former partner at Minter Ellison, has joined Duncan Cotterill in Sydney as Special Counsel.
Due diligence critical to franchise acquisition
A thorough investigation of the business can highlight its strengths and weaknesses besides other details.
Alternatives to Redundancy
While redundancies seem inevitable for many businesses, there are other cost cutting methods and alternatives that some employers are considering.
Chasing debtors across Tasman is worth the effort
The prospect of registering a judgment in another country can be daunting. But the good news is that enforcing New Zealand money judgments in Australia is neither difficult nor cost prohibitive.
Good and bad news in RMA changes
The wide ranging changes to the Resource Management Act leave the basic framework approach intact, while re-engineering some key mechanics.
New Associate at Duncan Cotterill
Litigation specialist Jonathan Scragg has returned to the Duncan Cotterill fold and been made an associate of the firm after more than two and a half years working in London with a leading international law firm.
Guard your data from departing employees
How do you prevent staff who are leaving from taking your information?
Facing up to the cosmetic challenge
Can women be directed to wear makeup at work?
Rahman I Trust
A trust has been set up for the family of Abdulrahman Ikhtiari, the taxi driver fatally stabbed in Christchurch.
Beware of too much Christmas 'spirit'
Enjoy yourself at Christmas parties, but be aware of the boundaries or your job could be on the line.
Employers’ Guide to Christmas Parties
The silly season is approaching and so it’s time to take stock and check that you, as the employer, are prepared for Christmas parties. Expect the unexpected as festivities can sometimes go awry.
ALB honours Duncan Cotterill
Duncan Cotterill has been rated one of the 10 fastest growing law firms in Australasia during the past year by the highly-respected ALB Magazine.
Employers hold the cards but playing them needs care
Restructuring and ensuing redundancies are becoming a necessity for more and more New Zealand businesses as we experience the economic squeeze.
Top law awards to Duncan Cotterill
2008 NZ Law Awards - Winner Large Law firm and specialist award for IP
Appeal Court stubs out smoko room
It is not often that a smoking-related matter engenders sympathy in this day and age. What if, however, there are constraints which mean that employees cannot nip outside for a cigarette?
Kids at work?
If children come to your workplace make sure you take all practicable steps to ensure their safety.
Duncan Cotterill appoints Sydney partner
Aaron Dearden has been appointed a partner in the Sydney office of law firm Duncan Cotterill.
Bill adds confusion to Holidays Act ruling
A bill to amend the Holidays Act 2003 has been introduced to Parliament after pilots took Air New Zealand to task in the Supreme Court for its treatment of public holidays (“Supreme Court changes shift work rules,” Feb 22)
Strict new controls over powers of attorney
Significant changes to the legislation for Enduring Powers of Attorney have just come into effect, prompted by concerns of misuse and inadequate protection.
Employers need to take extra care on suspensions
So you hear that Johnny has been badmouthing the company to your other employees and to the world at large, or money disappears from the till each time Sue works a shift. Do you suspend them while you investigate?
Duncan Cotterill appoints new Chairman
Christchurch-based litigation specialist Richard Raymond has been appointed the new chairman of national and trans-Tasman law firm Duncan Cotterill.
Judge challenges internet's right to news
Judge David Harvey's decision on recent case
Assistance under law for tenants when business is sold
Assignment of Lease procedure now more certain
Internet ruling lifts discretionary curtain
The Law Commission may have to look at separate suppression orders for internet-based publications
Law change affects debtors and creditors
Commercial dealings are an integral part of everyday business, and usually facilitate credit being extended or obtained.
Property resource rights not automatic
Buyer Beware of Resource Consents – Are you getting what you thought you had bought?
How risky behaviour outside working hours can cost jobs
Tony Veitch's employers must investigate his actions fairly- but also consider whether the behaviour brought them into disrepute.
Case shows importance of good record keeping
An Australian attempt to test an employee for substance abuse goes badly wrong
Slump food for thought for parting couples
Is half the pie going to stop you from going hungry?
Work-life boundaries not always clear cut
Teacher Sacked for Posing Nude. Can behaviour outside work hours risk job security?
RMA sentencings - a trial within a trial
If someone pleads guilty of an offence under the Resource Management Act, that's the end of it, right? Wrong!
Duncan Cotterill expands in Sydney
New partner appointed in Sydney
