The COVID-19 pandemic and the Government’s Alert Level 4 Lockdown has created a uniquely challenging landscape for employers to navigate. Not only does it present an extremely trying set of commercial circumstances, it has also given rise to novel employment law issues which even experts have More »

The Government has announced that New Zealand will move to Level 3 of the COVID-19 lockdown response from 11.59pm Monday April 27. This will allow construction work that has been on hold to resume, or for new work to start. There will however be significant requirements in place to ensure that this More »

Just a few weeks ago, we were booking holidays, buying goods online, and signing up to gym memberships. The Commerce Commission has now released some guidance to help both consumers and businesses understand their rights and obligations. For most, whether a customer is entitled to a refund or a More »

The Report of the Public Inquiry into the Earthquake Commission , chaired by Dame Silvia Cartwright, was tabled in Parliament on 9 April 2020. The Public Inquiry The Public Inquiry began its work in November 2018, under terms of reference which required it: “to investigate and report on the More »

Does an employer have to pay the subsidy (and/or more) to an employee who is struck overseas? The COVID-19 pandemic has stranded tens of thousands of people, with border closures here in New Zealand and overseas. The New Zealand border is closed to most travellers but New Zealand citizens and More »

New Zealand businesses are facing unprecedented risk and financial uncertainty due to COVID-19. A significant aspect of this financial distress relates to the legal status of debts during the lockdown period – both as a creditor and a debtor. While the Government’s official advice has More »

As of 26 March 2020 it is only essential services on site construction work that is permitted to continue. This is defined as works which: relate to essential services e.g. hospitals and supermarkets; relate to critical infrastructure; or are needed to maintain human health and safety at home or More »

New Zealand businesses are facing unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we adapt to Alert Level 4, it is important to remind ourselves that, while privacy laws do not hinder measures taken in the fight against COVID-19, even in these exceptional times, businesses must ensure the More »

As the country adjusts to Alert Level 4, the government has made further announcements regarding its COVID-19 financial support package. These include important changes to the wage subsidy scheme announced on 17 March . Here, we set out the key changes which may affect your business. Further More »