The Return of 90-Day Trial Periods for Employees

Written by Sophie Broome  Updated: 19 January 2024 90-day trial periods for all employees have been reintroduced by the government effective from the 23 December 2023. This change is in addition to other employment law reforms including the Fair Pay Agreements Act Repeal Act which came into force on 20 December 2023. A key benefit of a 90-day trial for employers is the potential to decrease costs. Recruiting and onboarding new employees costs time and money to a business of any size, and...

Exploring the Opportunities and Risks of AI in Business from a Legal Perspective

Written by Amy Cowan. Originally published in The Profit Updated: 20 November 2023   Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the business world, offering newfound opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. However, along with these opportunities come legal implications and risks that must be carefully navigated. AI algorithms can process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, helping businesses identify trends, predict future outcomes, and make informed choices. This can lead to more transparent and defensible decision-making processes. AI technologies...

A Step Forward: Cyclone Gabrielle Voluntary Buy-Out Policy Adopted

Written by Amy Cowan Updated: 28 September 2023  Both Hastings and Napier District Council’s confirmed in mid-September 2023 that a Voluntary Buy-Out Policy has been adopted to enable the voluntary purchase of eligible Category 3 residential properties in Hawkes’ Bay.  This is a cost-sharing scheme with the Government and negotiations are still underway.  This programme will not only allow for the voluntary buy-out it will also provide funding for urgent recovery priorities including flood mitigation, roading, and bridge repairs throughout the region. To...