Bramwell Bate News

June 26, 2020 In Bramwell Bate News By Bate Hallett

A timely reminder to review your affairs

As we slowly return to our day to day routines following the COVID-19 lockdown, it’s a good time to reflect on the lessons learnt from the paired back existence we experienced during these unprecedented times. One of the overwhelming messages to come out of the lockdown, was an even greater appreciation of our families and our desire to protect them. It is at times like these, that we should take stock of our personal affairs to ensure that in the event that something happens to us, the very people we want to protect are not left behind to sort out...

June 19, 2020 In Bramwell Bate News By Bate Hallett

Terms of trade and how registering your security interest can assist your business

The Personal Property Securities Act 1999 (“the Act”) has become a significant part of New Zealand commercial law. The Act created a publicly available record of security interests over ‘personal property’ and has become a tool by which businesses can protect their interests in the event of a debtor becoming insolvent. Personal property is all types of property except land. For example, stock in trade, livestock, crops and vehicles; along with intangible property such as hire purchase agreements, company shares, money, trademarks and patents; and all presently owned property and property purchased in the future. If your business supplies...

June 12, 2020 In Bramwell Bate News By Bate Hallett

Commercial Leases-The ongoing impact of COVID-19

While Alert Level 1 effectively sees a “return to normal” it is hardly business as usual for many small to medium size businesses that suffered significant financial loss during the lockdown period. Most commercial tenants were able to negotiate some rent relief during the lockdown period, via the no access in emergency clause contained in their Lease, however once restrictions on access to premises was lifted there was no direct contractual or legislative basis for a tenant to seek extended rent relief. Alongside that, during the entire lockdown period, some tenants were operating under a Lease that did not contain a...