Insights - Leading New Zealand Lawyers and Law Firm

The law can be complex, and it’s not always clear how it applies.

Our insights are designed to provide an overview of changes in legislation, an understanding of key regulatory issues, and recent case law relevant to our clients’ world.

Keep up to date with the insights that matter the most.

Recent Articles

Insight / Consumer Markets

Data Protection and Cybersecurity in New Zealand: Why The Time is (Always) Now

In an increasingly digital world, data protection and cybersecurity have become critically important for businesses. As companies collect, store and process more and more data, the risks relating to privacy and cybersecurity continue to evolve. Ensuring compliance the Privacy Act 2020 (Privacy Act), while mitigating cybersecurity risks, is a fundamental aspect of keeping customer data safe, and protecting a business’s commercial interests.

Insight / Environment & Planning

New Zealand’s resource management reform: a clearer, more effective framework

The report of the Expert Advisory Group (EAG), detailing a blueprint to replace the RMA, was released today. The task set for the EAG was to develop a framework for two pieces of legislation that would better enable development and improve the management of the natural environment.

Insight / Employment

New law means employers face risk of criminal prosecution for intentional wage theft

The Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill has now passed royal assent, becoming an enforceable provision of the Crimes Act 1961. This means that, under section 220AA of the Crimes Act 1961 (Crimes Act), it is now an offence for employers to intentionally fail to pay money owed to an employee under an employment agreement or statutory law (for example, under the Holidays Act 2003, the Minimum Wage Act 1983 and the Wages Protection Act 1983), without reasonable excuse.

Insight / Employment

Joint employment in New Zealand: can an employee have multiple employers?

Traditionally, employers have been able to carefully structure their businesses using companies, groups of companies and other entities, to protect from, or minimise, potential employment liability. However, there have been several law changes in recent years that have muddied the waters and made it more difficult for employers to use their company structure as a “shield” against employee claims.

Insight / Commercial Property

Legislative changes to support NZ’s build-to-rent housing sector

The New Zealand Government has passed the Overseas Investment (Facilitating Build-to-Rent Developments) Amendment Bill (Bill) to support overseas investment in the Build-to-Rent (BTR) housing sector. This new piece of legislation aims to increase housing supply and provide more secure, affordable and quality rental options for New Zealanders.

News / Firm

Wynn Williams and SBM Legal combine to create leading employment practice

Full-service national law firm Wynn Williams and one of New Zealand’s leading specialist employment firms, SBM Legal, have today announced their merger – creating one of the country’s largest and most experienced employment teams, based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Ōtautahi Christchurch.