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Family businesses have long been part of New Zealand's commercial landscape. It's estimated that family businesses represent 75% of all businesses in New Zealand. However, despite their prevalence, many family businesses don't survive beyond the second or third generation. This article gives some guidance to those who are either already involved in a family business, or are contemplating setting up a family firm.
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Proposals to simplify the financial reporting framework for small to medium sized businesses (SMEs), and registered charities, was announced recently.
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A recent Employment Court decision Blackmore v Honick Properties Limited has provided some clarity for employers on the requirements for 90-day trial periods.
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The Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007 (known colloquially as the Spam Act) prohibits an individual or company from sending unsolicited commercial electronic messages, also known as 'spam', to, from or within New Zealand.
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It may sound ideal tending to your vines and relaxing later with a glass of your own pinot in hand. However, with established vineyards selling for upwards of $80,000 a hectare, buying a vineyard can prove to be an expensive undertaking if details are overlooked in the initial stages. It goes without saying that the financial aspects of buying a vineyard are vitally important. However, buyers must also fully understand aspects of the property itself and any related issues to avoid problems after settlement.
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When you are separating, don't forget to ask about updating or making a Will and your Enduring Powers of Attorney. If you don't do this your former partner could still benefit under your Will until your marriage or civil union is dissolved.
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A relationship break-up is stressful for both parties and it can become more complicated if children are involved. If you have property or children together, a trip to your lawyer is going to be inevitable. We have some suggestions below that will help you not only prepare for that appointment with us but also will help around the separation process.
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Landowners commonly want to place restrictions on the use of land when they decide to sell it, particularly if they are retaining some neighbouring land. This article explains how this can be done by arranging a land covenant and what it entails.
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Two recent Employment Court cases have clarified the law on casual employees. Generally, a casual employee is one who has no expectation of on-going employment and their employment terminates at the end of each engagement.
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From 12 January to 12 April 2012 businesses will be able to apply to register generic domain names meaning businesses could have a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that incorporates the name of the company, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) board has announced.
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While we have many protected trees in New Zealand, we also have laws that protect people or things against trees. Under those laws, you could potentially be held liable for something that your trees do. Learn how you may be able to protect yourself from your trees. Read more…

You most probably use your farm in a variety of ways, some of which would not always be expected with rural land, for example, a road-front retail shop for selling excess produce, your own airstrip for fertiliser application purposes, or a dirt bike park to indulge in your favourite hobby. But did you know that even if you are the second or even third generation to use your land in this way, you are not necessarily entitled to keep doing so.
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