News and Resources | Gibson Sheat Lawyers, Wellington

Employment

Trial period traps in NZ: strict rules, risks, and law changes

The Employment Relations Authority has recently reminded employers of the strict legal requirements for trial periods and the risks in trying to rely on them incorrectly. The case also highlights how an employee’s own conduct can affect remedies when compensation is awarded.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Incorporated Societies

Incorporated Societies Re-Registration

Act Now to Meet the April 2026 Deadline

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Employment

Closedown periods, annual leave and working on a public holiday

What you need to know before this holiday season

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?

Property

The Subdivision Process

Are you considering undertaking a subdivision or land development?

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.

Insights

Trial period traps in NZ: strict rules, risks, and law changes

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

Splits and Breaks | Case Update | Tramways Union v Tranzurban

Ask Before You Act: Police Powers to Inspect Work Time Logbooks

New Employer Wage Laws 2025: Criminal Penalties for Withholding Pay

Incorporated Societies Re-Registration

Beyond Rainbow Washing: Pride Month & Corporate Allyship

From the City to the Country: John Steel's New Chapter in the Wairarapa

On your bike: NZTA’s Industry Alert

Andrew Little Joins Gibson Sheat Lawyers

Beyond Chores: Why Contracting Out Agreements Can Be a Gift of Love

Closedown periods, annual leave and working on a public holiday

Sports Clubs: Your Health and Safety Obligations

The Subdivision Process

Understanding The New Rules on Personal Grievance and Sexual Harassment

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