News and views

While finding talented staff is challenging, retaining them can be even more complex. The good news? You don't need to be a perfect employer - just a fair and reasonable one. Recent Employment Court guidance provides a practical "target" approach to good employment practices, where best practice is the bullseye, but hitting anywhere on the target still counts as fair and reasonable. Learn the golden rules that can transform you into an employer that good employees want to stick with for the long haul.

Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) has long been a headache for business owners, but proposed changes could bring welcome relief to your compliance burden. The government is considering three key simplifications: a clearer vehicle classification system, exemptions for minor benefits, and streamlined entertainment rules. These changes could significantly reduce the time and effort spent on FBT compliance. With the consultation period open until May 2025, now is your chance to have your say on these proposed changes.

A new financing option could make the transition to retirement living easier. The recently introduced 'Village Access Loan' by one of the banks allows homeowners to borrow up to 50% of their retirement village entry cost, using their existing home as security. This three-year bridging finance gives retirees more flexibility in timing their property sale and securing their preferred retirement village. Find out how this differs from reverse equity loans and what it means for you.

Contracting out agreements can be entered into at any time during a relationship and are particularly useful for couples entering into a de facto relationship, or marrying later in life, as both parties are more likely to come to the relationship with more complex financial affairs.

As urban land becomes more expensive, landowners and developers are constantly looking for ways to get the most out of their patch of dirt.

When a parent dies and leaves their child or children out of their will, those children are entitled to bring a claim against their parent’s estate under the Family Protection Act 1955 (FPA). While a financially stable adult child may not have a claim to a large  proportion of their parent’s estate, they will usually still have a claim for ‘recognition.’ The same is not true for children claiming against the estate of a stepparent.

The number of companies going into liquidation in New Zealand is on the rise. Did you know that payments made by a company before it goes into liquidation may also be at risk?

In August 2024, the government announced that it would progress a package of reforms to the Companies Act 1993 and related legislation. They are designed to address several issues and make New Zealand an easier and safer place to do business.