05 Jun 2015
New consumer credit laws begin on 6 June
The Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Act 2014 comes into force on 6 June 2015. Read more ›
07 Apr 2015
Supreme Court confirms seismic strengthening limit
In the wake of Canterbury’s devastating earthquakes, the Supreme Court has handed down a decision providing building owners, councils and insurers a clear steer on seismic strengthening. Late last year, the Supreme Court ruled in a case that councils cannot require building owners to increase the seismic strength of existing buildings to more than 33% of the standards that would be required for new structures (University of Canterbury v Insurance Council NZ Inc.). Read more ›
08 Dec 2014
Plan early for a trouble-free Christmas
We’re well and truly on the run-up to Christmas now and for business owners the main priority is to get organised for the extra demands of the festive season. It's important to get things clear as early as possible so that employees are certain about what their rights and responsibilities are. Amidst the tinsel, the present wrapping, the partying and the eating, employers must attend to the nuts and bolts of ensuring their business runs as smoothly as possible. Read more ›
09 Oct 2014
Subbies to get better protection for payment
Subcontractors owed money are to get better protection for payment for work done in changes to the Construction Contracts Act approved by Government, Building and Construction Minister Dr Nick Smith announced. "It is unfair that electricians, plumbers, painters, plasterers, tilers and other subcontractors can miss out on being paid when contractors or developers use retentions money inappropriately. We are going to change the law and require retentions to be held in trust to help ensure contractors and their subcontractors get paid for the work they do," Dr Smith says. Read more ›
14 Feb 2013