Local councils make decisions that affect individuals, property owners and businesses every day. These decisions can concern matters such as licences and permits, bylaws, development, regulatory action, public consultation, rates, infrastructure, council services and the use of public land. Councils and other local authorities have significant decision-making powers, but those powers are not unlimited. They […]
Author Archives: Legal Resources
13
Sep
Sep
When people hear the word “pre-nup,” they usually picture something out of a Hollywood movie — a wealthy couple protecting their fortune before a big wedding. But in New Zealand, contracting out agreements are far more common, far more practical, and available to a much wider range of people than the stereotype suggests. Under the […]
11
Sep
Sep
When people think about unfair treatment at work, they usually think about being fired. But New Zealand employment law also protects you from being treated badly while you’re still employed — this is called “unjustified disadvantage,” and it’s one of the most misunderstood areas of employment law. What is unjustified disadvantage? Under the Employment Relations […]
08
Sep
Sep
Contracts are the backbone of doing business. Whether you’re supplying goods, providing services, leasing commercial premises, or entering a partnership, a written agreement sets out what each party expects from the other. But even carefully drafted contracts can end up in dispute. Understanding how these disputes arise — and what options are available to resolve […]
02
Sep
Sep
If you’ve heard the term “prenup” and wondered whether it’s a real thing in New Zealand, the answer is yes — it’s just called something different. Under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, couples can enter into what’s known as a **contracting out agreement**, which lets you decide for yourselves how property will be divided if […]
31
Aug
Aug
Most people assume that if they resign from their job, they cannot later claim they were dismissed. New Zealand employment law says otherwise. Under the Employment Relations Act 2000, an employee who resigns can still bring a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal if the resignation was not truly voluntary. This is known as constructive dismissal. […]
29
Aug
Aug
Most contract disputes aren’t about whether an agreement exists — they’re about what it actually means. Two parties can sign the same document and walk away with genuinely different understandings of their obligations. When that happens, and the relationship breaks down, the question of how a court will interpret the disputed wording becomes critical. This […]
26
Aug
Aug
Drug driving law in New Zealand has changed significantly over the past year, and many drivers are unaware of how exposed they now are to prosecution. If you have been stopped, tested, or charged in relation to drug driving, understanding the process and the law that applies to your situation is the first step in […]
10
Aug
Aug
Dealing with a government department, local council or other public body can sometimes be frustrating. A decision may appear unfair, information may be withheld, correspondence may go unanswered, or an agency’s process may simply not seem right. In many of these situations, the Office of the Ombudsman provides an important avenue for independent review. What […]
07
Aug
Aug
When a government agency, Minister, or statutory decision-maker gets it wrong, most people assume there’s nothing they can do about it. That’s not quite right. New Zealand’s judicial review jurisdiction gives the High Court the power to scrutinise decisions made by the Executive branch of government — and, where the decision-maker has acted outside their […]