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...