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Are you thinking about starting a business? Have you thought about becoming a franchisee?

storm.mckenna@gibsonsheat.com (Storm McKenna) — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

What is a Franchise?

A Franchise is a way to run your own business using someone else’s brand and system. Instead of having to invent everything yourself (e.g. systems, processes, marketing, logo’s) you have the ability to become part of an existing business. That company, known as the Franchisor lets you use their name, products and way of doing things. In return, you pay them fees and agree to follow their rules.

Do I need a permit or Ts and Cs to run a competition in NZ

malcolm.galloway@gibsonsheat.com (Malcolm Galloway) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:34:23 GMT

Employment Relations Amendment Bill 2026 NZ | Key Changes

michael.oflaherty@gibsonsheat.com (Michael O'Flaherty) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 01:35:21 GMT

The Employment Relations Amendment Bill passed its third reading recently bringing about four key changes to New Zealand’s employment law framework.

Navigating the New Changes in New Zealand's Property Tax Rules

james.wilkinson@gibsonsheat.com (James Wilkinson) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 03:17:14 GMT

The bright-line test extension

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

mike.gould@gibsonsheat.com (Mike Gould) — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 11:00:00 GMT

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.

In Wilkins v DD Group Holdings Ltd, Ms Wilkins claimed she was unjustifiably dismissed. The company denied this and said the dismissal was valid under a trial period clause in her employment agreement.

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

craig.tatley@gibsonsheat.com (Craig Tatley) — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Many New Zealand roads, particularly in cities with historic layouts, weren’t built for today’s large vehicles. Winding, narrow and often steep, these former horse-and-cart tracks are now essential routes for public transport. So what happens when a bus simply can’t stay within its lane?

Splits and Breaks | Case Update | Tramways Union v Tranzurban

craig.tatley@gibsonsheat.com (Craig Tatley) — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMT

1. Since 2021, the New Zealand Tramways and Public Passenger Transport Employees’ Union Wellington Branch Incorporated (Tramways Union) has been involved in litigation against Tranzurban Hutt Valley Limited (Tranzurban) over the breaks Tranzurban’s drivers are entitled to be paid for while working “split shifts”. While Tramways Union succeeded in the Employment Relations Authority, the Employment Court overturned the Authority’s decision in favour of Tranzurban, which was upheld in the Court of Appeal and most recently, in the Supreme Court, definitively settling the matter in favour of Tranzurban.

Legislative Context

2. The Employment Relations Act 2000 (the Act) sets out the minimum break entitlements that all employees must receive while working. The number, duration, payment and timing of these breaks are governed by the provisions of section 69ZD to 69ZH of the Act, and expressed simply, provide an increasing number of breaks while an employee is working, in two hour increments.

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

craig.tatley@gibsonsheat.com (Craig Tatley) — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMT

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.

Wage Theft Now a Crime: Key Changes for NZ Employers

charlotte.cameron@gibsonsheat.com (Charlotte Cameron) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT

The Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Act 2025 came into force on 14 March 2025. This amendment allows for employers to be criminally prosecuted if it is established that they intentionally withheld wages, salaries or other monetary entitlements (such as the minimum statutory entitlements) from their employees. As a result, any wages disputes that historically have been resolved through the Employment Relations Authority can now also result in criminal charges and prosecution being carried out against an employer.

Incorporated Societies Re-Registration – Act Now to Meet the April 2026 Deadline

nigel.stirling@gibsonsheat.com (Nigel Stirling) — Sun, 04 May 2025 12:00:00 GMT