Knowledge
Resource Management Reform Series - Unpacking the changes to National Direction
Tuesday 1 July, 2025
Stage Two of the Government’s phased approach to reforming the Resource Management Act 1991 is heating up with the Government’s release of the proposed changes to the national direction instruments on 29 May and 18 June. Given the importance of these instruments, they set the resource management direction for the nation which is then given effect to in the regional policy statements and regional/district plans, these changes will have notable impacts on bo...
El Cheapo Cars: A Wake-Up Call for Lenders
Wednesday 4 June, 2025
The sentencing of El Cheapo Cars in the Porirua District Court last week sends a clear message to lenders across New Zealand. Failing to uphold responsibilities under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 is not just a technical breach, it can have serious financial and legal consequences.
The Value of Being Identified as a Māori Business
Thursday 29 May, 2025
The NZBN Register now offers businesses the option to identify as Māori-owned. For Māori businesses operating at the forefront of Aotearoa’s economy, this is more than a symbolic gesture. It’s a strategic opportunity to shape commercial identity, signal values to market partners, and unlock pathways that align with kaupapa Māori.
Unfair Booking Terms in the Spotlight
Wednesday 21 May, 2025
The Commerce Commission and Bachcare reached a settlement in April 2025 relating to Bachcare’s contract terms around cancellation and customer refunds. This comes after the Commerce Commission filed civil proceedings in the High Court in April 2023 that Bachcare’s terms were unfair under the Fair Trading Act 1986.
Trustee Duties and Settlor Discretion Explained
Tuesday 6 May, 2025
Barrett v Osborne shows how a settlor’s broad appointment power can override beneficiaries’ expectations. The Court of Appeal confirms trustees’ mandatory duties under the Trusts Act 2019 while upholding an unequal distribution made under an unrestricted trust clause.
Modernising the Companies Act and What It Means for Directors
Tuesday 6 May, 2025
The Government intends to introduce a raft of reforms aimed at modernising the Companies Act 1993 (Act) and other related corporate governance legislation. These changes seek to streamline business operations and counter harmful practices such as phoenixing.