Trusts can protect assets
On 26 March 2021, John Bracken was convicted of New Zealand’s largest GST fraud having fraudulently obtained $17,311,262.29 in GST refunds over a period of four years.
Review of adult decision-making capacity law
The Law Commission recently reviewed the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 (PPPR Act). This legislation governs how decisions are made for adults who lack capacity and can…
DIY will goes wrong
Most people would never expect a Do It Yourself will, bought from a stationery shop to end up before a High Court judge. Yet that is exactly what happened in Oga v Bourne,¹ a recent case…
‘Doomsday’ provisions in your will
You may recall the tragic story of English businessman, Richard Cousins, and his family, who all died together in a plane crash in Australia on New Year’s Eve 2017.
New Zealand-India free trade agreement
The proposed New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents a significant development in the relationship between two very different agricultural economies.
Former Port of Auckland CEO loses appeal
The former chief executive of Port of Auckland Ltd (POAL), Tony Gibson, lost his appeal against his conviction under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) following the night shift…
Modern Slavery Bill
The introduction into Parliament of the Modern Slavery Bill has brought awareness of how modern slavery has manifested itself into New Zealand businesses. Modern slavery can rear its ugly…
Over the fence – Rural update
A recent New Zealand High Court decision¹ has reinforced that company directors can be held personally liable for environmental damage caused by forestry operations.
Accidental directorship
Startup companies often rely on advisers, investors and board observers to help guide their new businesses. This is a good thing, but it carries hidden risk.
New Zealand Superannuation beneficiaries
Getting ready for a trip overseas, and suddenly the burden of your NZ Super benefit weighs on your mind? Many wonder how their island getaway or their skiing holiday will impact their…