Can a body corporate ban pets?
What does quiet enjoyment mean under the Unit Titles Act? The Unit Titles Act 2010 provides that an owner is entitled to quiet enjoyment of his or her unit without interruption from other unit owners or occupiers or the Body Corporate. In this context, ...
May 28, 2026
Can a body corporate pass on additional insurance costs to an owner from the use of their unit for social housing?
In a recent decision, the Tenancy Tribunal determined that the Body Corporate could not pass on to an owner additional insurance cost where those units were let to a social housing provider. The owner had two units. The additional insurance cost was ...
May 28, 2026
Are you thinking about starting a business? Have you thought about becoming a franchisee?
What is a Franchise? A Franchise is a way to run your own business using someone else’s brand and system. Instead of having to invent everything yourself (e.g. systems, processes, marketing, logo’s) you have the ability to become part of an existing ...
May 27, 2026
Do I need a permit or Ts and Cs to run a competition in NZ
Under the Gambling Act 2003, promotions of this nature (often referred to as ‘sales promotion schemes’) do not require a permit if entry is free and the winner will be selected randomly. However, depending on your target market, your giveaway may create ...
Apr 15, 2026
Employment Relations Amendment Bill 2026 NZ | Key Changes
The Employment Relations Amendment Bill passed its third reading recently bringing about four key changes to New Zealand’s employment law framework. Unjustified Dismissal Income Threshold A new income threshold of $200,000 for unjustified dismissal ...
Mar 2, 2026
Navigating the New Changes in New Zealand's Property Tax Rules
The bright-line test extension The changes to the bright line test are documented here. There is still a “main home exemption” to the bright line test. If you sell the property within 10 years of acquisition (or 5 years for a new build), and it was your ...
Oct 16, 2025
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Trial period traps in NZ: strict rules, risks, and law changes
The Employment Relations Authority has recently reminded employers of the strict legal requirements for trial periods and the risks in trying to rely on them incorrectly. The case also highlights how an employee’s own conduct can affect remedies when ...
Sep 28, 2025
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Can a Bus Cross the Centre Line in New Zealand? Legal Guidance for Road Transport
Many New Zealand roads, particularly in cities with historic layouts, weren’t built for today’s large vehicles. Winding, narrow and often steep, these former horse-and-cart tracks are now essential routes for public transport. So what happens when a bus ...
Aug 26, 2025
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Splits and Breaks | Case Update | Tramways Union v Tranzurban
1. Since 2021, the New Zealand Tramways and Public Passenger Transport Employees’ Union Wellington Branch Incorporated (Tramways Union) has been involved in litigation against Tranzurban Hutt Valley Limited (Tranzurban) over the breaks Tranzurban’s ...
Aug 25, 2025
Ask Before You Act: Police Powers to Inspect Work Time Logbooks
Drivers in the road transport industry are well aware that Police officers have legal authority under the Land Transport Act to demand immediate production of a work time logbook. Failing to produce a logbook on request can carry the same weight as ...
Aug 24, 2025
Wage Theft Now a Crime: Key Changes for NZ Employers
The Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Act 2025 came into force on 14 March 2025. This amendment allows for employers to be criminally prosecuted if it is established that they intentionally withheld wages, salaries or other monetary entitlements (such ...
Jun 23, 2025
Incorporated Societies Re-Registration – Act Now to Meet the April 2026 Deadline
Incorporated Societies Re-Registration – Act Now to Meet the April 2026 Deadline The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 introduces important updates to the way incorporated societies in New Zealand are governed. It aims to strengthen governance by setting ...
May 4, 2025
From the City to the Country: John Steel's New Chapter in the Wairarapa
The Wairarapa has finally won him over! Seasoned property lawyer John Steel has officially joined Gibson Sheat’s Masterton office. Bringing a wealth of experience and a genuine connection to the region, his presence will provide valuable continuity for ...
Dec 16, 2024
Craig Tatley of Gibson Sheat Lawyers | NZTA’s Industry Alert to Bus Operators in relation to bike racks
On your bike: NZTA’s Industry Alert to Bus Operators in relation to bike racks. Craig Tatley, a solicitor in the Litigation team at Gibson Sheat, has a unique perspective on the challenges facing the passenger transport industry, as he regularly drives ...
Nov 6, 2024
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Why contracting out agreements can be a gift of love | Gibson Sheat Lawyers
Valentine's Day is usually associated with chocolates, flowers, and romantic dinners. But let's be honest, sometimes the true battles in relationships are fought over less glamorous things, like who takes out the trash or whose turn it is to mow the ...
Feb 13, 2024
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Sports Clubs Health and Safety Obligations
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (the Act) imposes legal obligations on everyone conducting business or undertakings to ensure a safe workplace. Sport or recreation organisations should be aware these obligations apply to you regardless of whether ...
Nov 30, 2023
Closedown periods annual leave and working on a public holiday | Gibson Sheat Lawyers | Conor Lennon, Lower Hutt
Closedown Periods, Annual Leave and Working on a Public Holiday. What You Need to Know Before This Holiday Season Some of the most commonly asked questions by our clients in the leadup to the annual summer holiday season are: My company has an annual ...
Nov 30, 2023
RiverLink, is your business in the Hutt Valley ready for this? | Gibson Sheat Lawyers, Malcolm Galloway
Are you Riverlink-Ready? Last week Waka Kotahi announced AECOM-Fletcher as the preferred alliance to deliver this much-anticipated project to the Hutt Valley. Although contracts are yet to be finalised and signed, this is a major milestone for a project ...
Apr 26, 2023