What You Need to Know About “Prenups” in New Zealand
Thinking about protecting your assets in a relationship? In this article, Paul Gascoigne sets out what you need to know about prenups and relationship property agreements in New Zealand.
Management Rights Businesses – Considerations for Vendors and Purchasers
Management Rights Businesses in New Zealand are a unique business model which are not always fully understood or appreciated. In this article, commercial property law partner, Chad Danswan, takes a look at what a Management Rights Business is and provides his insights into what should be considered when selling and purchasing such businesses based upon his own commercial and legal experience.
Proposed Changes to the Disputes Tribunal: Enhancing Access to Justice
In this article, we discuss proposed changes to the Disputes Tribunal that may significantly impact how mid-value disputes are resolved — including a potential increase to its jurisdiction and what that could mean for access to justice.
90-day Trial Period Clauses – Safety Warning
While seen by some to be an easy way to exit employees who do not align with the business before they become embedded, 90-day trial period clauses are not without risk if not approached with care. This article steps through some tips on how to effectively incorporate 90-day trial clauses into your business.
Are you involved with a society? If you are, you need to know about the incorporated societies act 2022
The law governing incorporated societies is changing in a way that affects all societies in New Zealand. If you are involved with an incorporated society, this article will introduce you to the new law and the issues you and your society need to consider.
Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024: Key Changes Benefiting Landlords
The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024, in effect from 30 January 2025, brings significant changes for landlords. The return of no-cause terminations, updated fixed-term tenancy rules, and clearer dispute resolution timeframes provide more control—but strict notice requirements remain. Here, we break down what’s new and why landlords should ensure they follow the correct processes to avoid disputes. If you\'re considering ending a tenancy, seeking advice can help ensure compliance.
The Importance of giving Dispute Resolution Clauses your Attention
Dispute resolution clauses can be easily overlooked. However, it is always important to consider what processes are specified in your contract before committing. Here we consider one of the potential downsides of an arbitration clause – for the unsuccessful party at least. This is a useful reminder to consider the pros and cons of the processes that you are signing up for and to seek advice if you have any questions about how those processes might work.
The Road Ahead: Key Changes in the Public Works Act
The Public Works Act (PWA) is set to have a review, with the principles of efficiency, effectiveness and clarity leading the charge. From land acquisition to compensation processes, the modernised law will offer new challenges and opportunities. This article takes a closer look at the key reforms, the potential effects on private landowners and how they are paving the way for a more effective and forward-thinking approach to public infrastructure.
Summer Clerk Experiences
Harkness Henry recently welcomed another outstanding Clerks to our 2024/2025 Summer Clerk programme. Nicole Cutler, based in our Hamilton office worked in a variety of practice areas primary being employment.
Handling Digital Assets in Your Will
With the rise of digital assets in the 21st century, have you considered how your intangible assets are dealt with after your death?