In deciding a recent case the High Court has stated that councils cannot delegate certain of their powers to their chief executives. Margo Perpick, a partner of the Christchurch Lawlink firm of Wynn Williams & Co, outlines the case concerned and why the Court made this statement.

The Government's Insolvency Working Group has this week issued its second report.

The article discusses the legal position where an insured homeowner dies prior to settlement of an earthquake claim.

Professional indemnity insurers can apply a very strict interpretation of which business activities are insured.

The six-stage test for professional negligence in this UK case is closely applicable to the New Zealand legal regime.

The decision clarifies the procedure for disputes where parties have agreed to arbitration.

Government has announced its intention to implement the most substantial overhaul of building consent processes.

These Regulations, in force on 1 May 2018, establish a nationwide consenting regime for plantation forestry activities.

The Government has released the proposed National Policy Statement on Urban Development Capacity for consultation.

The management of natural hazards his covered in recent amendments to the Resource Management Act 1991.

Local authorities cannot require building owners to strengthen buildings to exceed 33% of new building standards (NBS).

Local authorities will need to ensure that their planning documents and processes meet the new reforms and requirements.

The Queenstown decisions provide useful guidance related to the assessment of applications for non-complying activities.

A cross lease title was one of the two most common ways to subdivide, and contains rights of ownership and rights of use.

This type of clause enables a vendor to give notice to a purchaser that the vendor has entered into another agreement.

Concerns have been raised regarding violations of privacy and dangers that flying objects pose to people and property.

There is no definite demarcation as to whether an employer can make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for its employees.

Recognition of the concept of joint employment in New Zealand.

New Zealand will benefit most if the new system is both workable and enduring.

The MoJ is consulting on a new statutory adjudication framework to give businesses a faster, cheaper alternative to court for disputes.