Legal Publications - Duncan Cotterill

Publications

We produce a range of articles, legal publications and resources on a wide range of legal subjects and hot topics critical to our clients needs. These include briefings on key legal issues, newsletters on practice areas and industry developments via the below headings.

Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill

On Monday, the Government introduced the second bill in response to Cyclone Gabriel and the heavy rain in the North Island — the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill (the Bill ). While the Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Act that was passed in mid-March was directed at More »

Disaster Recovery – Cyclone Gabrielle and beyond

“A key lesson from the Christchurch Earthquakes was the importance of local knowledge and input into decision-making. Working along side Mayors and Chairs, these local leads will ensure local voices are heard and acted on.” Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announcing the establishment of More »

Selling a property with leased solar panels? Here’s what you need to know

With the rise in commercial property and home owners leasing solar panels, people need to be aware of their obligations under the solar panel lease when selling their properties. Property owners must ensure any leased fixtures, such as solar panels, are appropriately addressed before entering into More »

ICLG Insurance & Reinsurance Laws and Regulations 2023 guide ̶ New Zealand chapter

The firm has contributed a chapter to the ICLG Insurance & Reinsurance Laws and Regulations 2023 guide. The guide features 30 international jurisdictions that provide the latest legal information on common issues in insurance and reinsurance laws and regulations—including regulatory More »

Changes to the construction contract retention money scheme passed by Parliament

Amendments to the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (CCA) will strengthen and clarify the retention money scheme have recently been passed by Parliament. More »

Christchurch City intensification plan change – what it means and where it's heading

The Christchurch City Council (CCC) has notified Plan Change 14 which will enable increased levels of development – in both density and height limits – across many residential and commercial zones. These changes give effect to the Medium Density Residential Standards introduced by More »

Top tips: redundancies and restructuring

Is a wave of redundancies and restructurings coming? The Press recently reported that the construction industry in Christchurch is expecting serious pain in the coming year. Nationally, major housing developers are also facing the need to significantly reduce staff numbers . With little to no More »

Types of government support for businesses, community groups and individuals impacted by recent weather events

We have compiled an overview of the government funding available to support businesses, community groups and individuals affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and recent weather events with recovery. Business Recovery Grants (MBIE) Grants of up to $40,000 are available to help you to keep operating your More »

Breaking the chains: Anticipated changes to employee restraints of trade

In September 2022, the Employment Relations (Restraint of Trade) Amendment Bill (Bill) was introduced to Parliament by a private member (Labour Party). If passed, it would introduce radical changes to existing New Zealand case law. Compared to approaches taken overseas, however, the proposed More »

New severe weather law passed to deal with cyclone effects

The Government has passed new legislation under urgency to make legal changes as a result of the recent severe weather events. The Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Act (the Act) eases some compliance requirements for businesses and people affected by the events and streamline the response to More »

Obtaining Residence in New Zealand – Proposed changes to the Skilled Migrant Category

Following its suspension in April 2020, the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) reopened in November 2022, a decision that was welcomed by hundreds of migrants who have temporary work visas and have been ineligible for residence by any other means. What is the SMC? It is a points-based system where More »

FAQs for employers during natural disasters

Recent weather has devastated many communities New Zealand. Having only recently addressed issues arising from COVID-19 lockdowns, dealing with flood and storm damage is yet another hurdle for businesses to overcome. We learnt many things during the various lockdowns, many of which are applicable More »

Is your child’s privacy protected when using apps online?

When companies develop apps that are targeted at children, you want to know that your children’s well-being and privacy at the centre of their activities. As a parent, you want to be absolutely sure that privacy protection is considered, especially if the app your child is using collects More »

Residents' Associations fall under new Act—the changes explained

Those who are members of Residents’ Associations may be aware of the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 which will have a big impact on the way they operate. Do your incorporated society rules comply with the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022? If you answered “no” or “not More »

Are you getting the best out of your employees?

Whether you’re an employer of 500 staff or run a team of five, the beginning of this year has been challenging for most, however we’re all still striving keep our businesses running as well as possible. Employers regularly approach us with questions about how to tackle non-performing More »

All you need is love… and a pre-nup?

With the Law Commission’s recent reviews of both the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 and succession law, Contracting Out Agreements (also known as pre-nuptial agreements) are a hot topic. While the Law Commission has recommended significant changes to relationship property and succession More »

Changes to relationship property law wide-ranging but are still years away

The Government has responded to the Law Commission’s proposed changes for both relationship property and succession law, saying its work to update the laws will take years. Under the Law Commission’s relationship property recommended changes, it has called for a replacement to the More »

FAQs for Visa Assistance following Cyclone Gabrielle

The Government has announced several measures to help migrants and employers managing the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle and other extreme weather events. These include: A targeted and urgent Recovery Visa to enable workers to enter the country to help with the clean-up. The ability for migrants to More »

Climate Change to be a heightened focus of the Building Act 2004

Severe weather events in Summer 2022/2023 have brought climate change and its interaction with the built environment to the front of mind for many. To support the Government’s goal of net zero carbon by 2050, the Government proposed late last year to amend the Building Act 2004 to reduce More »

Get ready: Minimum wage to increase to $22.70 per hour on 1 April 2023

Employers, particularly small businesses are about to face a new financial challenge as the adult minimum wage rises by the rate of inflation from 1 April 2023. This will be an increase of $1.50 per hour from the currently hourly rate of $21.20. The Starting-Out and Training minimum wage rates will More »

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