https://www.lepine.co.nz en-nz Le Pine & Co 30 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/767117 Legislation is showing its teeth 051, 18 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/767117 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/769215 Whether you like it or not, you will probably need to fund your farming operations with borrowing from one of New Zealand’s main trading banks. 051, 18 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/769215 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/769214 A new (uncertain) dawn for farmers 050, 14 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/769214 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/769216 The summer holiday period often sees a mix of casual and fixed-term employees working on the farm. You must have a written employment agreement in place from the outset for both types of employees. 050, 14 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/769216 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/767116 Driving, swimming pools and drinking - With the Christmas holidays coming up, we want to remind you about keeping safe this summer – on the roads and in the pool, and to reinforce the message about not serving alcohol to people who are not yet 18 years old. 050, 11 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/767116 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/767115 Can it be fair for everyone? Making sure everyone you care about gets a fair share of your property after you die is an issue most of us grapple with. This may also have additional complications when you have a blended family. 049, 4 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/767115 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/767118 Kiwis love getting out on or in the water boating, fishing and diving for seafood, but water safety MUST be part of your routine. Water Safety New Zealand has put together this simple checklist to help you stay safe this summer. 048, 27 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/767118 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/767114 What’s yours is mine? In a world where technology is becoming more prevalent, it’s easy to feel that privacy rights are a thing of the past. 048, 27 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/767114 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/766669 We came second out of 20 in the Putaruru Business Awards on Saturday night! Our Putaruru Team Leader, Jennie Burney, accepted the award on the night - well done team, we are very proud of you all! 047, 22 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/766669 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/760333 Know when to walk away. 042, 16 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/760333 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/760332 There’s a process that should avoid any problems down the line. 041, 9 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/760332 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/760331 The long-awaited Trusts Bill was introduced to Parliament on 1 August 2017. The Bill is largely an update and restatement of the Trustee Act 1956 and the common law. However, it also deals with practical issues that have faced lawyers and trustees for some years. We outline some of the most important parts of the Bill. 040, 5 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/760331 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756783 Have I made one? The law around trusts is ever-changing particularly with relationship property and matrimonial issues. The courts continue to chip away at the trust as an appropriate vehicle to protect assets against a relationship breakup. 039, 25 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756783 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756784 Look after your property Four years ago we published an article about the risk of fire in the rural sector and the consequences of not holding appropriate insurance cover (Rural eSpeaking, Issue 12, Winter–Spring 2013). The number of rural fires throughout the country seems to be increasing each year. 038, 22 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756784 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756782 The use of closed circuit television (CCTV) and/or security cameras are useful security tools for businesses to deter unwanted behaviour and identify wrongdoers. When you’re deciding whether to install and use CCTV and/or security cameras to protect your business, you must be aware of your obligations under the Privacy Act 1993. 038, 19 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756782 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756779 When the court makes a decision that an individual or business is owed a debt, it issues a judgment order telling the debtor that they must pay the creditor. However, often creditors are left wondering what happens if the debtor doesn’t pay. Find out how the court can assist you in recovering an undisputed civil debt. 038, 18 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756779 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756781 Most businesses use standard form documents such as terms of trade, or terms and conditions, in their daily operations. These documents often contain clauses relating to one or more of the 11 statutes which have been replaced by the Contracts and Commercial Law Act 2017. This Act came into force on 1 September 2017. 037, 14 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756781 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756780 Business owners and employers should be aware that there is new employment legislation on the horizon. 037, 12 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756780 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756778 Many New Zealand businesses and trusts must complete registration and understand their reporting obligations With the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) regime now in effect, it’s important that all New Zealand entities ensure they are aware of their obligations. 037, 11 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/756778 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/751000 The basic outline (or ‘footprint’) of a flat on a cross lease title is shown on a flat plan deposited with Land Information New Zealand and attached to your title. If you make additions that alter the footprint of your flat, the only way to correct the title is to deposit a new flat plan, and this can easily cost thousands of dollars. 035, 28 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/751000 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/750998 If you’re buying a house, you will of course need insurance cover for your new property, and your lender will require it. 034, 21 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/750998 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/750997 Renting out residential property is a great way to make some extra money, pay your mortgage off faster and build an investment nest egg. It can cause real frustration, however, when your tenant fails to pay rent on time. 033, 14 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/750997 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/750996 An agreement to lease is an agreement between a landlord and tenant of commercial property. It gives the parties an opportunity to record their leasing arrangements before they are formalised in a deed of lease. 032, 7 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/750996 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/750999 If you or a member of your family have been granted a protection order under the Domestic Violence Act 1995 you can apply to the Registrar-General of Land under s108 of the Act to hide the information held about you on the Land Register which may otherwise disclose your whereabouts. 032, 7 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/750999 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/747837 We are running our Employment Law Bootcamp as our next free seminar. Join Louise Foley at the Turangi Community Health Centre, Thursday 27 July at 5.30pm. Come along and remind yourself of the systems and processes that most of us find a little daunting. 029, 19 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/747837 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/737398 The pundits were right. The Minister of Finance, the Hon Steven Joyce, presented his first Budget on Thursday 25 May and it was definitely a ‘steady as she goes affair’ with few surprises. The Minister said the outlook for New Zealand’s economy is positive and the Crown’s books are steadily improving. We highlight some of the Budget’s key points below. 021, 26 May 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/737398 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/710429 We’re great supporters of the Tauhara College 1st IV rugby team and are really proud of their second place finish this year. Yes, we give them practical and financial assistance to help with training and to get the team through the season, but it’s the boys’ skill, together with their coaches, families and supporters’ commitment that helps makes the grade. 050, 7 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/710429 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/699809 Foreign trusts have been in the news recently. The government has now introduced legislation to tighten up the rules. But what are foreign trusts and is this important to you? 041, 6 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/699809 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/699806 A frustration for trustees 040, 30 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/699806 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/699808 Trustees need to be cautious. Trusts can sometimes be used to protect assets from future claims by a former spouse or de facto partner. However, lawyers and the courts are continuing to find ways around trusts in order to achieve what they see as justice. Recent decisions indicate why trustees need to be cautious. 040, 30 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/699808 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/691213 034, 17 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/691213 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/691212 As the dairy industry enters the calving season it’s important to be familiar with the new regulations[1] announced in June this year around the management and treatment of bobby calves. 034, 17 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/691212 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/691211 It’s not unknown for us to receive a shocked look from farmer clients when we advise them that they are subject to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 regarding the accommodation they are providing to their staff. 034, 17 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/691211 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/691210 Most farmers will agree that working dogs play a crucial part in the day-to-day running of a successful farm. So it’s important that you’re fully aware of your legal obligations and responsibilities associated with owning working dogs. If you don’t, there’s a risk of substantial fines and possibly a conviction. 034, 17 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/691210 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/688572 Every day more Kiwis are learning that they have been living in methamphetamine (P)-contaminated properties. Discovering you have purchased a contaminated property can be financially, mentally and physically devastating for you and your family. This article looks at P-testing and the risks if you suspect the property is P-contaminated and nothing is done. 032, 1 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/688572 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/688574 The government announced on 31 July changes to Housing New Zealand’s KiwiSaver HomeStart scheme to help more first home buyers into the property market. These changes are effective from 1 August. If you’re looking at buying your first home, it pays to check whether you’re eligible to withdraw your KiwiSaver funds using the KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal and to see if you qualify for the HomeStart Grant. Depending on how long you’ve been in KiwiSaver, the money you receive will go a long way in helping you open the door to your first home. 032, 1 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/688574 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/688577 An issue that arises with section purchases is the connection and cost of connecting services (gas, power, phone, internet, ultra fast fibre (UFF), water and sewage). A good developer knows this, but not all are so diligent. 032, 1 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/688577 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/688575 Nothing is worse than planning a celebratory dinner in your new home and finding the oven doesn’t work. How can you ensure this doesn’t happen? 032, 1 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/688575 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/685193 You want to do what on my land? 029, 12 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/685193 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/685194 Drink driving is one of the key causes of road accidents in New Zealand. 029, 12 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/685194 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/685078 Using an enduring power of attorney 029, 11 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/685078 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/679388 Other options if your business is shaky... Even the best of operators can face financial struggles and at such times a wounded business loses friends quickly. 023, 31 May 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/679388 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/679547 Le Pine & Co is delighted to be a Bronze Partner of Taupō’s Winter Festival, which gets underway on 14 July and offers world-class theatre, comedy and music shows as well as a whole lot of free activities and an action packed programme. 022, 27 May 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/679547 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/679344 Sometimes you do... The way we live our lives and operate our businesses is always changing. Amongst the biggest changes is the move to electronic communication and information. Despite its potential for quick, efficient communication and the reduction in the need for paper and storage, ironically, many people find themselves surrounded by more paper than ever! 022, 26 May 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/679344 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/670293 If you are in a de facto relationship, there could be significant financial implications for you if you separate, or if your partner (or you) dies 016, 13 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/670293 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/672271 You have just moved into your new home and your neighbour knocks on your door. They say that your garage is two metres into their boundary, and that they need this space to widen their driveway. Suddenly you wish you had known where your boundary was before you purchased the property. 016, 13 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/672271 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/670291 All too often shareholders overlook the need to properly secure the advances they make to their company, or the guarantees they grant in favour of their company, without being aware of the consequences that can result from this oversight. By registering security over the assets of their company, shareholders can effectively and efficiently secure their advances to that company and feel assured that steps have been taken to safeguard their investment. 016, 12 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/670291 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/667399 015, 5 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/667399 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/670292 New health and safety legislation comes into force in early April 014, 31 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/670292 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/667398 The Resource Legislation Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament on 26 November 2015. The submission process is well underway with the Select Committee receiving submissions until Monday, 14 March 2016. 014, 31 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/667398 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/670295 In recent years there has been a significant increase in online abuse particularly of vulnerable young people. A high profile example was the 2013 ‘Roast Busters’ case involving teenage boys bragging of sexual activities with girls. This article looks at what remedies are available when cyberbullying takes place. 014, 30 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/670295 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/667400 014, 28 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/667400 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/667397 A new era begins 012, 14 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/667397 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/662298 011, 8 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/662298 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/662292 The new law will come into force on Monday, 4 April this year. Despite some of the originally proposed changes being watered down in the final stages of drafting the new Act there will still be significant effects for you, your business or your organisation. This article looks specifically at implications for organisations with volunteers. 010, 1 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/662292 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/663733 Come along to one of our free seminars to find out what you need to know and do about the new Health & Safety at work Act. We have teamed up with SafeTworks to share what a business needs as a robust health and safety management system. If you’re a business owner or director you could become personally liable for breaches of the new Act and no one wants that. 009, 23 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/663733 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/662291 Who pays for your funeral? Most Wills have a clause directing the executors to pay funeral expenses as well as other usual estate liabilities. Often there is also a clause saying whether you want burial or cremation. Are these directions binding? 009, 23 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/662291 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/662289 How you can help avoid a claim on your own estate 008, 16 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/662289 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/650316 The construction industry will see some significant changes in the long-awaited Construction Contracts Amendment Act which was passed in October. The impact will be felt by every building owner, homeowner, contractor and subcontractor. 001, 30 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/650316 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/650315 When you are selling, buying or leasing a rural property one of the things that you should take time to consider is what grass or supplements will be available for the incoming farmer’s stock. This is a matter for both the landowner, when selling and leasing, and the prospective purchaser or lessee to establish – regardless of what time of year settlement is to occur. 052, 23 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/650315 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/650313 Some harsh remedies when retailers sell to minors. For generations, teenagers have tried every trick in the book to get their hands on alcohol before they are legally old enough to buy it. However, it’s getting more and more difficult to do so. This article looks at the legislation and what happens when a retailer sells alcohol to a minor. 051, 17 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/650313 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/650314 Over the summer, young people will be keen to celebrate the end of the school year and enjoy the long holidays. 051, 17 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/650314 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/650312 Make sure you have a current Will – make an End of Year resolution With summer, Christmas and the New Year fast approaching now is a good time to make an End of Year Resolution to get your affairs in order. In this past year you may have bought a house, established a business, moved in with your partner, welcomed a baby, booked your big OE or perhaps there are wedding bells on your horizon. 050, 10 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/650312 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/650311 It’s essential for your business to be compliant. Another trading year is almost at an end. You concentrated on increasing business income, you’ve built (or improved) your business systems, you believed in yourself and your product/service and profits have improved. 049, 3 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/650311 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/642583 As you will know lawyers and legal executives are involved in many stages of the subdivision process as it grows from an idea in a developer’s mind through to the new titles being issued. 045, 6 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/642583 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/642582 It’s surprising that when selling property, the seller often pays little attention to the terms of the real estate agent’s listing agreement – particularly when there may a substantial sum of commission involved. 044, 30 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/642582 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/642581 In a bustling real estate market, significant pressure is often placed on purchasers to make an offer in a short timeframe, often with few conditions (if any). We often hear about the purchase once the parties have signed and have already incurred legal obligations that may be difficult to satisfy. The moral of the story is to talk with us before you sign the agreement. We outline below a situation that we hope you won’t ever experience. 043, 22 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/642581 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/642580 New requirements for buyers and sellers of residential property. Previously we noted the government’s proposed property taxation changes and ‘bright-line’ test. The legislation has now come into force and those changes are in effect; both parties to an Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate dated on or after 1 October 2015 need to be aware of their new obligations. 042, 16 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/642580 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/635373 When considering your next business insurance policy the most important part is the fine print. Many people, particularly business owners, have recently learnt harsh (and expensive) lessons on their business insurance. The Christchurch earthquakes and North Island floods have been particularly severe on businesses, unfortunately catching many by surprise and many business owners have been ill-equipped to deal with the fall out. Having a robust business interruption (BI) insurance policy can g 037, 10 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/635373 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/635371 The long-awaited Health and Safety Reform Bill passed into law on 27 August and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 will come into force in April next year. As you are no doubt aware, the legislation will have significant implications for all businesses and the farming sector. If you are a business owner or farmer, you should note the upcoming changes and get prepared. 036, 5 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/635371 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/634893 Taupo’s largest provider of legal services, Le Pine & Co is delighted to announce that, as from 1 September 2015, Putaruru-based Barrister and Solicitor Tim Kinder will merge his practice with them and become a partner in the firm. 036, 2 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/634893 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/632275 Marriage, in the eyes of the law, is a largely – although not entirely – outdated institution; it’s now ‘relationships’ that are important. When a relationship comes to an end, dividing up the assets can be a challenging task. For rural families, in particular, it pays to plan well ahead to protect the assets you own outright, as well as those in which you have an interest. 035, 28 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/632275 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/632276 In March 2015, the government announced a package of measures designed to strengthen the enforcement of minimum employment standards. 035, 23 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/632276 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/632273 On 24 July, the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee reported back to Parliament on the Health and Safety Reform Bill. There are some modifications to the Bill that will be welcomed by farmers; we outline the significant changes below. 035, 23 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/632273 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/627595 Before you buy a property, it’s prudent to check for any geotechnical issues. Often any known geotechnical matters or hazards are highlighted in the Land Information Memorandum (LIM) from your local council. If concerns are highlighted it’s up to you to investigate further. 033, 14 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/627595 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/627594 Obligations of both landlords and tenants 032, 7 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/627594 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/627591 Make sure you know what renovations need a building consent 031, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/627591 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/627596 In May the government announced proposed changes to the tax rules for New Zealand and non-resident investors who buy residential property with the intention of selling the property and making a gain. The proposed ‘bright line’ test will require income tax to be paid on any gains and will be taxed at the seller’s normal income tax rate. It’s proposed that this rule will take effect from 1 October 2015. 031, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/627596 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/624402 Every year our fire service is kept busy battling blazes in rural areas which cause substantial damage to the landscape and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to put out. So who is responsible for the costs associated with fighting the fire and any damage caused by the fire? 029, 16 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/624402 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/624401 There are a number of common assumptions made about access to a person’s Will and what happens after the Will-maker has died. Television and movies often contain scenes in which, after a person’s death, the estate lawyer and all the beneficiaries get together for a formal reading of the Will. While there’s nothing to prevent this from happening, there’s no requirement to do so and it rarely happens in New Zealand. Usually the estate lawyers write to each of the beneficiaries 028, 10 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/624401 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/617852 Ensure your Terms are robust. Despite a post-quake construction boom in Christchurch, an unprecedented number of building firms are going bust. Reports surfaced earlier this year of almost 100 rebuild-related companies having been placed into liquidation since the February 2011 earthquake, owing tens of millions of dollars. Some relatively high profile companies have fallen victim in recent times, emphasising that even large, well-established businesses are not immune to poor management and the 026, 24 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/617852 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/617848 April saw a number of protests across the country concerning the use of zero hours contracts. A significant number of the protests occurred outside fast food outlets – the fast food industry having been identified as a key sector in which zero hours contracts are used. 025, 17 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/617848 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/617846 This year’s Budget, delivered on 21 May, contained few surprises and, generally speaking, little of significance for business. The Budget did, however, confirm that the government will increase measures to ensure people buying and selling residential property for profit, including overseas buyers, pay their fair share of tax. 024, 12 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/617846 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/610638 Due Diligence is vital. When buying any business, assets or property it’s important to undertake a due diligence investigation into what you are looking to buy. If you’re buying rural property, it comes with its own unique set of issues for which you need to take particular care. 020, 11 May 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/610638 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/610637 Music group Baha Men asked this in their 1998 single. It’s a question you may well be asking if it’s your dog that gets out and is involved in a dog attack. 019, 6 May 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/610637 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/608556 It’s a common misconception that you don’t need a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) report when you buy bare land, or when the house and buildings have been signed off by your local authority. A LIM is provided by the local authority and contains information it holds on the property. 018, 28 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/608556 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/608524 For many of us, buying a home is the largest purchase we will ever make. That’s why spending a few hundred dollars on a pre-purchase building report is so important as it can save you hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars in years to come thousands, of dollars in years to come. The report is one of the final hurdles in purchasing a property, so it’s important to know the process and your rights as a purchaser and also as a vendor. 017, 23 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/608524 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/594666 Often people agree to accept the appointment as an attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) without really understanding what’s involved and what will be expected of them. 007, 11 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/594666 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/593812 The Employment Relations Amendment Act 2014 (which amends the Employment Relations Act 2000 and comes into force on 6 March 2015) makes significant changes to New Zealand employment law. 006, 4 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/593812 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/592308 On 1 January 2015 the Building Amendment Act 2013 came into force. As well as strengthening the consumer protection provisions currently in the Building Act 2004, it also implements new obligations for builders and increases their potential liability. If you work in the building industry, it’s important that you are aware of these changes so you don’t get caught out. 004, 22 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/592308 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/584485 The Le Pine team stands out from other conveyancing options... 046, 14 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/584485 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/583657 Le Pine & Co Lawyers and Safe T Works have joined forces to help your business keep its staff safe and healthy. You don’t want to be next to have a workplace accident and face the horrendous costs to you, your worker, your families and your business. 046, 11 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/583657 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/582764 In April 2015 the new Health & Safety at Work Act comes into effect. The Act has important new obligations for businesses, trading trusts, profit and not-for-profit organisations and un-incorporated societies. We will be holding 2 free seminars you can attend to find out more. 045, 5 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/582764 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/580201 Can you stop your kin from fighting over your fortune? Maybe not, but early preparation can help! An interesting NZ Herald read on getting your affairs in order. Not that we all have these fortunes to protect but there are lessons for us all. 042, 17 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/580201 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/576643 Tobias Young has left the hustle and bustle of Auckland, where he practiced construction and company law, to join Le Pine & Co. Tobias joins Tony Devlin in the Commercial, Property and Trust Team and brings with him a wealth of experience in commercial property, asset planning and trust law as well as business and commercial law. 040, 29 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/576643 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/568989 We are holding a number of seminars over the next month - perfect if you have any questions about blended families, relationship & property trusts, wills, enduring powers of attorney, rest home subsidies and family trusts. 033, 14 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/568989 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/566926 A recent case highlights the importance of using a fair process with your employees. A worker who told her employer she would send someone round to him and the visit “wouldn’t be nice” if he did not pay her was wrongly fired by text message, the Employment Relations Authority has found. 031, 1 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/566926 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/564310 Discussions with industry leaders highlight a significant concern that the industry is currently losing a critical battle; the ability to convince the country's wider population that farmers are committed to balancing the needs of their business with the requirement to preserve the environment for the future in a sustainable way. 029, 17 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/564310 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/560864 We are excited to announce that our new website is Live. 027, 3 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/560864 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/552800 More than 25 per cent of New Zealand's productive sector is in agribusiness yet it is widely perceived as one of the more difficult and inaccessible sectors for investment - perceptions held by retail investors, large fund managers and those overseas looking to invest in New Zealand's agricultural success story. 019, 8 May 2014 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.lepine.co.nz/blog/552800