Resource Management Changes and Intensified Development - Do you want a land covenant?
Recently we wrote about the proposed changes to the Resource Management Act: this is expected to permit intensified developments across much of New Zealand. Land covenants can act as a barrier to future development. If you are thinking of subdividing and ...
Oct 28, 2021
October 2021 Changes to Resource Management in Main Centres
New Zealand’s housing crisis is a well-worn topic of discussion and debate. In the most significant legislative move to date to address this issue, on the 19th of October 2021 the Government introduced the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and ...
Oct 26, 2021
We have opportunities, we need to maximise these and intellectual property is no exception
I wish that I had bought shares last year in a ventilator company, a breathing mask company, a hand sanitiser company, and a toilet paper company. Although, what is everyone going to do with the hoardings of toilet paper? Unless COVID-19 has some sort of ...
Sep 8, 2021
Who pays for repairs and maintenance in a unit title development?
Do you live in an apartment or unit and pay body corporate fees? Who do you think should be paying for repairs and maintenance? Under the Unit Titles Act 2010, a body corporate is required to repair and maintain common property and all building elements ...
Sep 8, 2021
Rent disputes. Is there a cost-effective resolution?
You want me to discount your lease payments? Say again! A landlord might earn kudos and a devoted tenant by reducing your rent for a lockdown period but are you legally entitled to a reduction? Most leases are in the Auckland District Law Society (ADLS) ...
Sep 8, 2021
Thinking of subdividing to pay off the mortgage?
For a number of my clients subdividing off part of their land is a successful formula for reducing their debt but there’s not one of them that steps back from the process and says “wow, that was easy…” It’s not that the process is difficult, it’s just ...
Sep 5, 2021
Do I need a Will?
You don’t need a Will right? Are you sure? Preparing a will, or even having a conversation with your loved ones about writing a will, is hardly something that you can just throw into conversation while you peel the spuds at dinner time. Dying can be a ...
Aug 2, 2021
Healthy Homes Standards – Getting it right
Landlords just cannot catch a break at the moment. First, the notice periods for termination of leases increases and the right to terminate a tenancy without reason is removed. Next, the government brings in changes to the interest deductibility rules ...
Jul 29, 2021
Fixed Term Tenancies - is a fixed term really a fixed term?
Fixed term tenancies in light of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020 – is a fixed term really a fixed term? History of the Act As its name suggests, the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (the Act) serves to outline the rights of landlords and ...
Jul 22, 2021
Residential Care Subsidies - A Guide
A move to residential care is often brought about by factors outside the control of those involved. It can be a stressful and difficult time and the added prospect of expensive care fees can seem overwhelming. You or your loved one may be eligible for a ...
Jul 5, 2021
Why your free will may cost your family thousands
The old saying “You get what you pay for” generally rings true. It’s quite easy to find yourself a “free will” online now. Unfortunately in endeavouring to generate business a “free will” devalues one of the most important documents a person will ever ...
Jun 27, 2021
New Zealand Sick Leave Entitlements
Did you know that from 24th July 2021 sick leave entitlement increases from 5 to 10 days a year? Whether you’re an employee or employer, here’s some things you should know. The Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Act 2021 will come into force in ...
Jun 16, 2021
Sick Leave New Zealand
Whether you’re an employee or an employer, many people have had a time when they have needed sick leave. While most incidences of sick leave are by the book, there are some times that issues can arise. The commonly recurring sick leave issues that ...
Jun 15, 2021
New Tax Disclosure Obligations for Trustees
8 June 2021 Are you a trustee of a trust? Did you know additional information may need to be provided to the IRD with your next tax return? Trustees should be aware of a new requirement to provide additional information with their tax returns for the ...
Jun 7, 2021
Lost your licence? DUI | Limited Licence | Gibson Sheat Lawyers Wellington
If you have been disqualified from driving because of a traffic conviction or excess demerit points, you may be eligible to apply for a special licence or work licence, otherwise known as a limited licence. Gibson Sheat has obtained limited licences for ...
May 27, 2021
New Privacy Act – Do you know your obligations?
The Privacy Act 2020 (Act) came into force on 1 December 2020 and applies to any individuals, businesses, or organisations that collect personal information. If your business collects information from customers, suppliers or others, you should review ...
May 9, 2021
Coming soon to a Club near you – the new Incorporated Societies Bill
What is the new bill about? From the Taupō Mountain Bike Club to Deaf Aotearoa to the Lindis Pass Conservation Group, incorporated societies are said to “make a significant contribution to New Zealanders’ wellbeing.”[1] Over 113 years have passed since ...
Apr 27, 2021
Later life relationships
Later life relationships can be fulfilling and rewarding but may involve challenges from children and grandchildren specifically arising from expectations around inheritance. Children and finances appear to be the top two challenges that may keep a ...
Apr 15, 2021