Lessons from Popeyes: Why Trade Mark Protection Is a Business Essential
In today’s competitive market, a business’ brand is more than just a name or a logo, it’s a valuable asset. It is your business’ identity. It’s how customers recognise you, remember you, and choose you over competitors. But what happens if someone else tries to profit from your hard-earned reputation? That’s where trade mark protection […]
Smart Exits and Strategic Entries: Navigating Vendor Finance and Earn-Outs
If you are a vendor or a purchaser of a business and are struggling to find enough upfront capital for your exit or entry, there are a few options that are available to you that could help bridge this gap. Two popular strategies are vendor finance and earn-outs, both of which can ease the burden […]
Property Owners view preserved through court upholding covenant
A recent High Court decision has prevented the potential subdivision of a property at St Arnaud, near Nelson. The decision highlights the ‘roadblock’ effect land covenants can have, particularly where the proposed development has the potential to cause injury to neighbouring landowners. In Beechnest (2014) Ltd v Marshall [2023] NZHC 519, Beechnest, a property developer, purchased two […]
Rent payment in time saves nine: court gives reminder of the consequence of putting off rent
With increasing financial pressure on businesses and individuals alike, the High Court’s recent judgment in James Ward Trustee Company Limited v Jarm[1] (“James Ward”) serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritising paying rent and the consequences of failing to do so. Background to the case James Ward concerned 3 sublessees who failed to pay rent over […]
Parliament Addresses Director Safety Concerns on legal and legislative changes.
For many retail business owners and directors, the requirement to publicly list a residential address on the New Zealand Companies Register has created ongoing privacy and safety concerns. The Companies (Address Information) Amendment Act 2025 (“the Act”) was passed on 18 November 2025 and introduces new privacy protections for company directors. The Act will come […]
Major Overhaul of the Fair Trading Act: What the New Penalties Mean for Retailers
The Government has announced substantial reforms to the Fair Trading Act (“FTA”), with a bill expected to be introduced to Parliament next year. While supermarkets have been specifically referenced as a focus point of the amendments, following multiple supermarkets pleading guilty to FTA offences earlier this year, these changes will apply to all businesses. Major […]
Shake Up of Earthquake-Prone Building System: What It Means for Commercial Property
In September 2025, the Government announced a series of proposed changes to New Zealand’s earthquake-prone building (EPB) system under the Building (Earthquake-Prone Building System Reform) Amendment Bill. The reforms aim to make the current EPB regime more risk-based and proportionate, reducing compliance costs while maintaining safety standards. Key proposed changes The Government has indicated several […]
GrabOne Liquidation: What Are Retailers’ Legal Obligations?
Global Marketplace New Zealand Limited (“GMNZ”), which operated GrabOne, has been put into liquidation. GMNZ’s liquidators have said the company is not in a position to provide refunds to consumers with unredeemed vouchers. What, then, are a retailer’s rights and obligations when approached by a consumer with an unredeemed GrabOne voucher for the retailer’s business? […]
To Suspend, or Not to Suspend: The Risks of Suspending Works
In the fast-paced world of construction, cash flow is king. But what happens when your client stops paying? Or they’re causing endless delays? For many contractors and subcontractors, the idea of suspending work seems like the obvious way to protect yourself. But pulling the pin too soon can backfire badly. Here’s why you need to […]
Court Issues Warning to Directors Who Misuse Retentions
We can now expect to see summary judgment applications against directors of failed construction companies who misuse retention funds. The High Court has adopted the Canadian position that a director is deemed to have known of any statutory or trust requirements and will be personally liable to restore any missing retention money that should have […]