July 2023 Did you know that the liquidator of a company can sometimes lay claim to assets held by other companies in your group? This article will outline when a liquidator can do that, and things you can do to increase your chances of defending this challenge. When can a liquidator of a company lay… Read More.

July 2023 The Commerce Commission is recommending to businesses that are considering lodging or giving effect to a land covenant to consider the potential impact on competition, and whether the covenant is at risk of breaching the Commerce Act 1986. What is a covenant? The definition of ‘covenant’ is in section 2 of the Commerce… Read More.

November 2022 A new Bill has been drawn from the ballot in Parliament that, if enacted, will bring some positive news to wineries with cellar doors. After a few years of limited visitors and staffing shortages we are pleased to report on some good news for the industry. This article discusses the proposed legislation and… Read More.

November 2022 Recent changes to the Fair Trading Act 1986 will affect most New Zealand businesses. Now is the time for businesses to familiarise themselves with the new rules to ensure their contracts and processes are compliant. Unfair contract terms The ban on unfair contract terms apply to standard form business-to-business contracts where the parties… Read More.

March 2022 The Incorporated Societies Bill has progressed further through Parliament after completing the select committee process. The Incorporated Societies Bill will replace the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 which is over one hundred years old. This Bill will provide a much-needed update to New Zealand’s incorporated societies laws and bring some significant changes for how… Read More.

November 2021 When you are entering into a new venture the opportunities seem endless and everyone is positive about goals and working relationships. However, as we unfortunately see so often, things do not always go to plan. A well drafted shareholder agreement can be worth its weight in gold when working relationships sour. A shareholder… Read More.

November 2021 As we near the end of 2021, a number of long anticipated amendments to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (CCCFA) are coming into force. The purpose of these amendments is to raise the standard of lenders and to better protect consumers from harmful lending practices. The five key changes are… Read More.

December 2020 A limited liability company (LLC) is a vehicle frequently used to own and operate businesses. One of the benefits of an LLC is the limitation of liability it offers to its shareholders. Whilst the company has full responsibility for the company’s obligations it shelters the shareholders from loss if the company’s business fails.… Read More.