News and views

After much debate, and more than its share of controversy, the Health and Safety Reform Bill has finally been passed by Parliament. April will be a red letter month for this legislation – the time businesses will be expected to comply with the new laws.

All legal eyes are glued to a landmark case that’s set down to be heard in the Supreme Court early next month – and its significance is such that anyone with a trust would do well to take a keen interest in, too.

The impact of the new United States Foreign Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”), which prevents U.S. citizens and tax residents living outside of the U.S. from avoiding paying tax in that country, is in effect.

After years of leaky home horror stories, leaky shower nightmares have recently sprung up in the media. According to reports, as older-style acrylic and stainless steel trays have given way to on-trend, fully-tiled showers, some homeowners are facing huge water damage and significant repair bills due to poor waterproofing.

Tiled showers have the potential to become the new “leaky” issue for unsuspecting vendors and purchasers.

The Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Act 2014 comes into force on 6 June 2015.

Gillian comes to Aspiring Law with 30 years’ experience in law, having represented the interests of parents, children and vulnerable adults in a wide range of family and mental-health related cases.

If you’re an employer with staff on weekend rosters, there’s still time to dot your “i’s” and cross your “t’s” for ANZAC Day – the first public holiday to be “Mondayised”. Affectionately known as the “Mondayisation Bill”, the Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Bill, will get its first outing on April 25.