You may be aware that the government has made changes to the KiwiSaver HomeStart grant as of 1 August 2016. In parts of New Zealand it has become increasingly difficult for first home buyers to purchase property. The recent changes are an effort by the government to assist first home buyers into their first home. […]
The use of family trusts is widespread in New Zealand. There are a number of reasons for forming a trust. Trusts are often used as a method of protecting assets from a variety of different risks, including a relationship property claim. The Supreme Court has very recently released its decision in the Clayton v Clayton […]
Well it’s a new year and we have hit the ground running! Gallie Miles is on the move and we can’t wait. We have a new, purpose built building currently under construction at the top end of Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu. While just around the corner from our current Mutu Street premises, the new building […]
We generally think about a relationship property being divided between just two people. But what happens if someone is in a relationship with more than one person? Who gets what? Who can bring a claim? A recent article on stuff.co.nz “De facto claim fails in divorce case despite 27 year affair” caught my interest. The parties were […]
Is your Beach House rented on a short-term basis? Does the entity that owns your Beach House file GST returns? If you answered yes to both those questions, then you need to know about recent changes. The definition of “commercial rental property” has recently changed. The change means that a Beach House (rented for part […]
A recent article about a recently separated German man, who cut his possessions in half and posted half of the descimated items to his ex partner attracted a lot of social media attention recently. Is this approach to relationship property division advisable? The man very cleanly cut numerous possessions, which had belonged to himself […]
Most people are now familiar with the Property (Relationships) Act (“the Act”) and the equal sharing of relationship property when a marriage or de facto relationship of more than three years ends. The Act defines relationship property and separate property, and provides for the division of relationship property on separation. That is commonly understood. What […]
Farm worker accommodation is covered under the Health and Safety Regulations 1995 – this may come as a surprise to many farm owners. These Regulations set certain standards for agricultural worker’s accommodation. Significantly, all farm worker accommodation must either contain, or have access to, certain facilities, including toilets, washing, sleeping, heating and refrigeration facilities. Accommodation must […]
This weekend if the first time we will experience the Mondayisation of ANZAC Day. Under the Holidays Act 2003, the ANZAC public holiday will be observed on Monday the 27th April. Here are my top 5 tips to prepare for Mondayisation: 1. Know what has changed …. For employees who would not usually work on Saturday 25th, […]
A recent Court of Appeal decision could have widespread implications for many Trusts in New Zealand. Mr and Mrs Clayton were married for 17 years and separated in 2006. During their marriage the saw milling and timber processing businesses operated by entities controlled by Mr Clayton grew, and at the time of separation were of […]
