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February 1, 2024 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Kevin Osborne Celebrates 50 Years in Legal Practice

[Image Above: A sample of Kevin’s past achievements highlighted in The Otago Daily Times and Hawke’s Bay Today from the past couple of decades]   Written by Sophie Broome In November 2023, our Director, Kevin Osborne, marked his fiftieth year as a lawyer. Kevin has achieved first class legal expertise and a widely respected knowledge in the legal profession and is a beacon of expertise for both his clients and colleagues. Our summer intern, Sophie, caught up with Kevin to ask him about his time practicing...

February 1, 2024 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

The blurry line between employee expertise and social media opinion

Written by Christine Symes and Sophie Broome A recent Employment Court case Turner v Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand raises the question of employment-related opinions and the use of social media – appropriate or inappropriate? Turner was a palliative care nurse working at a Retirement Village run by Wairarapa District Health Board. Turner was dismissed for voicing personal opinions on her Facebook account about the negative implications of the COVID-19 vaccine and in addition, race related opinions. These were contrary to...

February 1, 2024 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Are you managing your Family Trust correctly?

Written by Nick Aveling Gone are the days of Mum and Dad running the family Trust as if they still owned the Trust property. With new requirements and regulations the use of Trusts has come under increasing scrutiny. Whilst Trusts continue to provide benefits that make them an essential component of effective asset planning and wealth management, these benefits arise only if the Trust is properly administered. Running the Trust needs to be taken seriously. If Trustees do not treat the...

January 19, 2024 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

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...

November 20, 2023 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

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...

September 28, 2023 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

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...

August 28, 2023 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Protecting Your Assets: Why Legal Advice Matters for ‘Pre-Nup’ Agreements

Written by Alex Fanning A recent decision in the Napier High Court, WL v AJ [2023] NZHC 703, is a timely reminder that seeking independent legal advice is crucial for a pre-nuptial agreement (pre-nup) to be valid and enforceable. The decision also demonstrates the consequences of not getting the right advice. Understanding the Case Let’s take a look at the case involving Mr W and Ms A. They began their relationship in 2000, and on 3 July 2001, Mr W bought a home...

August 4, 2023 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Changes to First Home Buyer Schemes to allow for purchasing of existing homes and extend household income caps

Written by Lois McLintock Updated: 3 August 2023  The government’s Progressive Home Ownership Scheme (PHO) is set to reach more potential first home buyers with changes being announced to the scheme earlier this week. These changes will take effect from 14 August 2023 and are good news if you are a first home buyer. The PHO was established in 2020 and is administered via two pathways. The First is Te Au Taketake,  the pathway for Māori and Iwi to access the scheme. Te...