News and views

New Zealand’s ageing population has created a boom for retirement villages, with record numbers being developed. For many looking to retire or slow down, retirement village living is attractive – and it’s not hard to see why. A new apartment or cottage in a secure, well-maintained environment, offering a lock-up-and-leave lifestyle, and providing resort-like facilities such as cafes, gyms, pools, bowling greens, libraries and men’s sheds can be very appealing.

Laws around residential tenancies have undergone massive change in the past few years – and it’s not letting up any time soon.

In light of recent difficulties in the construction industry, not taking protective measures opens subcontractors up to recovery and enforcement issues. If you are a subcontractor, you should think about how to prevent your tools and equipment (including cranes and scaffolding) from being seized and sold by a receiver, and to ensure you have the best chance of getting paid.

One of the world’s leading futurists comes to town on March 13 – and all of us here at Aspiring Law are excited to be collaborating with Ignite Wanaka Chamber of Commerce to be bringing his unique insight and extraordinary knowledge to the Upper Clutha.

New Zealanders love to talk about property. There are a multitude of topics relating to property that Kiwis have an intimate knowledge and understanding about which form the topic of water cooler and dinner conversation. The cross lease is just one of those many topics of conversation.

It’s an exciting time watching your business really take off and hit its straps – although, that excitement is usually balanced by the reality of the new challenges and responsibilities that invariably come with growth.

Agri-tourism and food are growing sectors in New Zealand. We have farm tourism where tourists are shown working farms with activities such as sheep dog and shearing exhibitions. Artisan producers are growing their own products and then processing them into, say, cheese, and free-range pigs are becoming salami, bacon and ham.

If you receive a notice from your landlord notifying you of a rent increase on commercial premises, and you don’t agree with the new figure, what can you do?