Job hunting? Before you accept that new job and hand in your notice, make sure you check whether there is a restraint of trade clause in your current employment contract. It is common in New Zealand to see restraint provisions in employment contracts that limit your ability to work for a competitor after leaving your job. … [Read more...]

As we grow older, keeping our independence is something that tends to weigh heavily on our mind. We value being able to go about our daily lives without feeling that we are a burden on family members and friends. When your independence is compromised through, say, the loss of your driving licence, it can make life less … [Read more...]

Relationship property is a complicated and ever-evolving area of the law. The key legislation in New Zealand, the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (‘the Act’), is currently under review and many fundamental elements of the law may change in the near future. We will report on the review’s outcome in due course, but in the … [Read more...]

In the face of record high property prices and tighter loan-to-value ratios imposed by the banks, it is becoming increasingly difficult for young Kiwis to buy their first home. As a result, many New Zealanders are turning to ‘the Bank of Mum and Dad’ for help, particularly to make up their cash contribution or for payment … [Read more...]

“Where there’s a Will – there’s a relative!” Ricky Gervais Ricky is the master of the one-liner and is known for bringing humour to the most serious of topics, but have you ever considered what it would feel like to be left out of your parent’s Will? In New Zealand, if someone believes they haven’t been adequately … [Read more...]

Almost everyone works as an employee at some point in their lives. In an ideal world, every employee would receive a contract from their employer and have it reviewed by their lawyer before signing the agreement and commencing employment. In reality, most employees don’t have the time or resources to seek legal advice … [Read more...]

Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, tenancy disputes can be costly, stressful and time-consuming. To avoid a dispute, it’s crucial to have a tenancy agreement and a solid understanding of your rights and responsibilities. Before renting a home, or entering into a tenancy, it is important to ensure you have a written … [Read more...]

If you’re thinking about buying your first home and have been a member of KiwiSaver for at least three years, you’ll know that you may be eligible to put your KiwiSaver funds towards the purchase. Knowing which step to take at each stage of the purchase process can be confusing, so we’ve put together a step-by-step guide … [Read more...]

The property purchasing process can be daunting, particularly for first time home buyers, so we’ve created this handy list full of practical advice to guide you through the process. 1. Get pre-approval for a home loan Before you begin house hunting, you should speak to your bank or a mortgage broker to find out how much … [Read more...]