March 8, 2021 In Bramwell Bate News By Adam Harris

Changes to sick leave entitlements

As has been anticipated, there are some proposed changes to the Holidays Act 1993 (“the Act”) that are expected to come into effect later this year. The changes look to double the minimum number of sick days available to employees from 5 to 10 days per annum, after they have worked with an employer for six months. The Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Bill (“the Bill”) is currently before the Select Committee of the New Zealand Parliament and is under review....

March 4, 2021 In Bramwell Bate News By Adam Harris

Important Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act for Landlords and Tenants

3 March 2021 Whether you are a landlord or tenant, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act. The Act is in the process of being updated and a number of important changes took effect on 11 February 2021: Rent can only be increased once every 12 months. Previously rent increases could occur every six months (this change took effect earlier, on 12 August 2020).  Landlords must have genuine reasons to end a tenancy, even if...

February 24, 2021 In Bramwell Bate News By Adam Harris

Virtually witnessed documents, are they valid?

The main purpose of having a witness to a document is to authenticate that the person signing was in fact the person noted on the document. The implementation of electronic signatures was already common practice and with the advancement of technology, was always likely to increase in use. In New Zealand, however, law requires that for an electronic signature to be legitimate, it must comply with the following: The document must identify the signatory. The electronic signature is as reliable as...