News and views

The devastating gas explosion that rocked a quiet Christchurch street earlier this year made me think about Public Liability insurance. My first thoughts were obviously with the family and the neighbours affected by the blast but being a typical lawyer I couldn't help wonder if the gas contractor had Public Liability insurance.

Innovation has seen a number of plant-based meat alternatives grow in popularity. These plant-based products often use terms such as ‘milk' or ‘patty’ to label their products. European authorities are currently looking at whether such terms should be restricted to use with animal-based products only. Here in New Zealand, Federated Farmers has indicated that it may push the government to follow suit.

​We’re delighted to announce the arrival of Solicitor Lucy Conway, who’s specialising in Family Law alongside Senior Associate Gillian Stuart. And, given Wanaka’s always been her “home away from home”, Lucy’s just as rapt to be here.

Working remotely is becoming more and more common. But it wasn’t always that way – especially at law firms.

Significant changes post-M.bovis The NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing) system was first introduced in 2012 and came into effect progressively until it was fully implemented on 29 February 2016. Any completely new system is likely to need a review after being in operation for a period of time.

It might be more than 40 years old, but recent research reveals a concerning lack of understanding still prevails around who gets what under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 in the event of a break-up or one partner dying.

Our Directors, Janice Hughes and Mike Toepfer, are both a bit shy about highlighting their ages … but their number of years specialising in property law work is a bit of a giveaway.

Generally speaking, GST on a property sale and purchase between two GST-registered entities results in a ‘GST neutral’ position for both the seller and the buyer. It’s essential that the sale and purchase agreement contains the correct wording, particulars and information in respect of the GST position of the parties to the agreement.