This compares poorly with other developed economies and with other businesses in NZ, notably professional firms.  Legal and accountancy firms have become increasingly diversified over the past 20-30 years.  Indeed Martelli McKegg recently topped the rankings of large and mid tier firms in NZ with women comprising 45% of our partnership (http://www.lawfuel.co.nz/news/268/nzs-most-female-friendly-law-firms).

Similar changes to those proposed by the NZX were introduced in Australia and resulted in a 50% increase in the number of female directors within just 18 months.

We welcome the changes proposed by NZX and believe it will assist in delivering the improvements in corporate performance that NZ needs.

The Tribunal's decision to remove our client's unit from the multi unit claim was overturned.

For further information in relation to multi unit leaky building claims please contact Sarah Wroe or Lisa Gerrard.

Please contact Andrew or Sarah for further information or assistance in relation to leaky buildings or claims for or against trustees.

To find out if your business is caught by these regulations contact Sarah Wroe.

The son claimed a breach of trust by the trustees.  The court found in the son's favour.  The court also found that trustees could not rely on the indemnity clause in the trust deed to exempt them from personal liability for their breach.  The defendant trustees are appealing the decision and the outcome will be of interest to many.  In the meantime, knowing what your duties are and ensuring you carry out those duties is certainly wiser than waiting to see if you can rely on an indemnity clause to limit your personal liability for wrongdoing.

Contact Tara Hurley or Catherine Atchison for more information on trustee duties.

Our team doesn't just have knowledge of the system in New Zealand. We can also help you if your assets include offshore property.  Contact Louise Minton or Catherine Atchison if this applies to you.

• Who has to move out?
• What about the kids?
• What are my rights to property?
• How am I going to support myself, or, what am I going to have to pay?

Depending on what "stage" you are in, the first meeting with your lawyer may simply be an information gathering exercise.  Your lawyer may also suggest you undertake some specialist counselling before attempting to negotiate division of property and financial support.  In other cases it may be necessary to act quickly, to prevent property from being disposed of by your partner.

Whatever your situation, we have the expertise to assist you with your legal needs following a relationship break down and we have access to trusted barristers who can provide specialist advice on care of children matters.

If you or anyone you know needs assistance, please call Tara Hurley for an appointment.

In Chow v Thomson the High Court considered an application by the Franklin District Council to join the insurer of two building contractors as a defendant.  The insurer was already involved in the proceeding but the Council had brought the application so they could claim against the insurer directly.

The Court recognised that it could not join the insurer as a defendant if it was possible for the Council to bring its claim against the insured party, i.e. the contractors.  The Court determined that the Council could bring its claim against the contractors directly, and therefore dismissed the application to join the insurer as a defendant.

This decision shows that a claim cannot be brought against an insurer if a claim against the insured party will enable recovery.

If you would like more information about this or leaky buildings in general please contact Richard Potter or Lisa Gerrard.

Recent legislative changes now provide for the appointment of enforcement officers within Customs to investigate and prosecute counterfeiters.  Enforcement officers have the power to enter any public place (including a shop, stall or vehicle) where goods are being sold and examine the goods without a warrant.  Enforcement officers may:

• examine any item or document,

• take photographs or video recordings;

• take any person with them to assist with their examination (including a member of the Police);

• seize any item reasonably believed to be evidence of an offence; or

• require any person to appear and answer questions.

A person convicted for an offence may be imprisoned for up to five years or fined up to $150,000.  

It is important to note that only registered trade marks are protected by the criminal provisions of the Trade Marks Act.  If you would like to speak to us further about protecting your brand please contact Josie Webb or Mike Worsnop.