Insights

Road Transport
Can a Bus Cross the Centre Line in New Zealand? Legal Guidance for Road Transport

This article explores the legal rules around buses crossing the centre line on New Zealand roads. It explains when exceptions apply, what “safe and without impeding traffic” really means, and offers practical advice for operators and drivers navigating narrow or challenging routes.

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Road Transport
Splits and Breaks | Case Update | Tramways Union v Tranzurban
The Supreme Court has confirmed that employers can treat split shifts as separate work periods under the Employment Relations Act 2000. This ruling upholds Tranzurban’s approach to paid break entitlements for drivers.
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Road Transport
Ask Before You Act: Police Powers to Inspect Work Time Logbooks

Drivers in the road transport industry are well aware that Police officers have legal authority under the Land Transport Act to demand immediate production of a work time logbook. Failing to produce a logbook on request can carry the same weight as breaching work time limits or making false entries.

What is less well known is that Police generally do not have the power to enter a vehicle, search it or seize a logbook without proper legal authority.

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Employment
New Employer Wage Laws 2025: Criminal Penalties for Withholding Pay
The Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Act 2025 introduces criminal penalties for employers who intentionally withhold wages or entitlements from their employees. This means wage disputes can now lead to prosecution, fines, or even imprisonment. While the law targets deliberate underpayment, employers must be cautious with payroll accuracy, deductions, and compliance with the Wages Protection Act 1983. Genuine mistakes won’t attract criminal liability, but poor recordkeeping or ignorance of entitlements may not offer protection. Now more than ever, robust payroll systems and legal compliance are essential.
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Incorporated Societies
Incorporated Societies Re-Registration
Act Now to Meet the April 2026 Deadline
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Community
Beyond Rainbow Washing: Pride Month & Corporate Allyship
To help strengthen our connection with rainbow communities, we’ve appointed Sam French as our firm’s Pride Champion.
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Commercial
From the City to the Country: John Steel's New Chapter in the Wairarapa
The Wairarapa has finally won him over! Seasoned property lawyer John Steel has officially joined Gibson Sheat’s Masterton office.
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Road Transport
On your bike: NZTA’s Industry Alert
Craig Tatley, a solicitor in the Litigation team at Gibson Sheat, has a unique perspective as he regularly drives as an Urban Bus Driver in Wellington.
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Employment
Andrew Little Joins Gibson Sheat Lawyers
Former Leader of the Opposition and Cabinet Minister Andrew Little has transitioned from the halls of Parliament to the world of legal consultancy.
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Relationship Property
Beyond Chores: Why Contracting Out Agreements Can Be a Gift of Love
Valentine's Day is usually associated with chocolates, flowers, and romantic dinners. But let's be honest, sometimes the true battles in relationships are fought over less glamorous things, like who takes out the trash or whose turn it is to mow the lawn. This year, why not give your loved one the gift of peace and clarity with a "Happily Ever After, Except for Chores" Contracting Out Agreement?
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Employment
Closedown periods, annual leave and working on a public holiday
What you need to know before this holiday season
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Health & Safety
Sports Clubs: Your Health and Safety Obligations
Is your sport or recreation organisation aware that the health and safety obligations apply to you regardless of whether your activity is for profit and even if you are mostly volunteer?
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Property
The Subdivision Process
Are you considering undertaking a subdivision or land development?
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Employment
Understanding The New Rules on Personal Grievance and Sexual Harassment
The Employment Relations Amendment Act 2023 extends the time for personal grievance claims to be raised which involve allegations of sexual harassment from 90 days to 12 months.
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Commercial
Are you Riverlink-Ready?
Waka Kotahi announced AECOM-Fletcher as the preferred alliance to deliver this much-anticipated project to the Hutt Valley.
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