kerri, Author at Harkness Henry Lawyers

Sherlock Holmes or Joe Bloggs? Who is entitled to conduct a workplace investigation into an employee?

23 July 2020

Workplace investigations previously have been carried out by different persons, in various different capacities. However, a recent case has brought into question the legitimacy and legality of such investigations and who is legally entitled to conduct a workplace investigation. In this article, we set out the recent legal developments in this area and the potential implications that flow from these.

The importance of enduring powers of attorney

7 May 2020

Enduring powers of attorney are an important step in ensuring your personal affairs are in order. Having signed documents in place gives you and your family certainty as to who will look after you and your assets if you cannot. This article discusses the importance of signing enduring powers of attorney and what happens if a person becomes mentally incapable without them.

The Impact of Marriage or Civil Union on Wills

5 May 2020

Getting married or entering into a civil union may have the unintended consequence of revoking a will, while the end of a marriage or civil union may prevent a former spouse or partner from being able to act as an executor of or receive a benefit from a deceased estate. The age at which a person is able to make a will depends upon whether or not the will-maker is or has been married or in a civil union.

Keep the faith – restructure guidance in a changing world

1 April 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant financial and operational consequences for employers and this looks set to continue . Unfortunately, as a result, we also expect to see a continued increase in restructure proposals and redundancies. This article serves as a timely reminder as to what employers must demonstrate before undergoing a restructure or redundancy process.

COVID 19 – Frequently Asked Questions

31 March 2020

As COVID 19 spreads in New Zealand, it can be daunting keeping up with information and making decisions quickly about how businesses and workers jobs can be saved. In this update we answer questions that have come across our desks about the impact on employment of New Zealanders in these extraordinary times. Our aim is to keep you informed and to answer your questions about what it means for you.

Want to cancel a conditional contract without complying with your own conditions? Think again

14 November 2019

The story of the purchaser who got more than he bargained for. A recent Court of Appeal decision has confirmed that a party who enters a conditional contract has an obligation to do all things reasonably necessary to satisfy the conditions – or suffer the consequences.

Getting disclosure of relationship property after separation

11 November 2019

Often the biggest hurdle in resolving relationship property matters after a separation is getting disclosure of the assets and liabilities. If your partner is not providing you with disclosure, you can seek discovery orders from the Court before substantive proceedings are commenced.

Are you a Motor Vehicle Trader?

1 November 2019

You may not realise it, but you may be an unlicensed motor vehicle trader. A recent Court of Appeal decision[1] makes it clear that a person or company will need to register as a motor vehicle trader under the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003 if that person or company sells more than six motor vehicles in any 12 month period, unless it can prove that those motor vehicles were not sold for the primary purpose of “gain”.

Health and Safety in the Workplace: Ignore it at your peril

29 October 2019

This article discusses the repercussions that could arise in the event an entity fails to discharge its health and safety obligations.

What’s in a Death Certificate?

23 August 2019

A death certificate forms part of the national register of the population of the country and is also an important family record. This article looks at the information needed to produce a complete and accurate death certificate.