News

Exciting Move Ahead – Our New Home at 7 Paerata Road, Pukekohe
We are pleased to share some exciting news about the next chapter for our firm. From January 2026, we will be moving into larger, purpose-built premises at 7 Paerata Road,

Contractor or Employee: Key Differences and Legal Implications
The distinction between contractors and employees is a critical issue in employment law, with significant ramifications for businesses and individuals alike. Misclassification can lead to disputes, penalties, and reputational damage.

Directors’ duties in New Zealand. What every business owner needs to know
Directors’ duties in New Zealand are not theoretical concepts. They are legal obligations that apply every day a company is operating. Whether you are a formal director, a de-facto director,

Personal guarantees in NZ; What business owners are really signing up for
Personal guarantees are a routine part of doing business in New Zealand. Banks require them for lending. Landlords often require them for commercial leases. Suppliers ask for them as part

Restraint of Trade FAQs
This article addresses some frequently asked questions about restraint of trade provisions – a commonplace employment practice. It also flags an important pending change to the law. WHAT is a

New pet rules for rentals (effective 1 December 2025) — what landlords and tenants need to know
From 1 December 2025 a set of changes to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) take effect that change how pets are handled in rental homes across New Zealand. The reforms

Parenting Arrangements for Children
One of the first things that comes to mind when thinking of families is children, and so for many couples, when a relationship ends, arrangements for the children is one

“I’m your parent – I know best!” – Is that always the case?
As anyone working in family law or who has had any interactions with the Family Court in New Zealand will know, the Care of Children Act 2004 (COCA) sets out

Introducing the Employment Leave Act for a Modern Workforce
The Government has announced that the Holidays Act 2003 will be repealed and replaced by the Employment Leave Act to streamline leave entitlements and address other key areas. Some of

Unjust, But Not Unlawful?
The Government is proposing several amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2000 in the Employment Relations Amendment Bill 175-1 (Government Bill). This article identifies how these will impact on high-income

The Law Lowdown – SPRING 2025
Catch up on all the news and information in this edition of The Law Lowdown Inside this issue: Download your copy here

Time to get a Will or review your current Will
September was Will’s Month and Blackwood Montagna acknowledged this with a well-attended drinks and nibbles function at the Franklin Club on Tuesday 16th September. Lawyers George Nonu and Simon Bratley
