In the context of resource consent applications, people often consider themselves to be affected by activities occurring in close proximity to their properties. However, whether a person is “an affected person” under the resource management act is a complex question – there is no More »

Once again the farming community in the Mackenzie Basin is grappling with what impact a new plan change is likely to have on their operations and livelihoods. Immediately prior to Christmas the Mackenzie District Council notified plan change 18 – Indigenous Biodiversity. Plan change 18 More »

If you are a licensed asbestos removalist, or you or your business owns or occupies a building containing asbestos, you will need to ensure that you are complying with the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 when they come into full force on 4 April 2018. Owners and occupiers of More »

The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment have issued a media release calling for farmers to ensure they provide minimum employment entitlements to employees and keep proper records. The Labour Inspectorate has recently handed out significant fines to some farmers, and more farmers will be More »

When should Executors advise family members about a person’s death or their right to bring a claim against an Estate under the Family Protection Act? That is a difficult question, and one that can sometimes arise during administration. After all, it is not unusual for clients to remove family More »

Nowadays sports headlines outing athletes for doping are no longer a rarity. The use of banned substances in sport is a well-publicised issue and one that has plagued elite sports since the Ancient Greeks tried all manner of herbs, hallucinogens and opiates to gain an edge over their competitors [1 More »

As holiday season officially begins and with many businesses due to close down over the Christmas period, it is important for employers to ensure that they are meeting their obligations under the Holidays Act 2003. This is particularly important for businesses with employees who work fluctuating or More »

The Trusts bill had its first reading in Parliament yesterday and will now progress to Select Committee. Our expectation is the Select Committee process will take around 6 months to complete so the bill may be passed in the third quarter of 2018. The bill seeks to clarify and modernise the law in a More »

Should the rural zone be predominantly a working environment or is there room to accommodate a growing number of residential lifestylers? Farming is accepted by most as an appropriate use of rural land but other rural activities like gravel and sand extraction are facing considerable opposition More »