While the MOU is useful, the lack of clarity around the roles of the two regulators remains.

A recent Court of Appeal judgment knocking back a decision by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council due to failure to satisfy the consultation provisions in the Local Government Act (LGA) has the potential to expose other councils to legal risk, and to slow local body decision-making. This Brief Counsel looks at the Court of Appeal ruling and comments on its wider implications.

The High Court judgment found that the Insurance Council of NZ should remove the impediment to the Christchurch rebuild.

The company was fined for a purchase involving sensitive land, without consent under the Overseas Investment Act (OIA).

This decision was a significant departure from current authority and could carry large implications for in-house counsel.

The new Rules, which apply to agents, branch managers and salespersons, further refine the consumer focus of the Act.

As of 31 July, Councils face financial penalties for missing key Resource Management Act deadlines.

Efforts to criminalise cartel behaviour have been divided, as some consider it may deter efficient, legitimate conduct.

The quality of disclosure is improving but has a way to go, despite a recent reminder about costs of getting it wrong.

The NZ Corporate Governance Forum issued detailed guidance on the role and responsibilities of listed company directors.

A recent decision is a reminder to employees that conduct independent of the workplace can cost you your job.

This judgment provides a useful clarification of the boundaries of the Minister's responsibilities under the MPP.

Acquire more than 50 shareholders and you may become subject to the Takeovers Code and the Financial Reporting Act.

Draft regulations for phase one of the FMC Act and the new disclosure requirements have been released for consultation.

The Resource Management Reform Bill aims to reform subdivision, regional infrastructure and the Auckland Unitary Plan.

The importance of clear and careful subcontracting arrangements has been underscored by two recent High Court decisions.

Commerce Minister Simon Power has announced the reappointment of David Jones as chair and Colin Giffney as deputy chair of the Takeovers Panel.

The decision clears the way for Milk NZ, in association with Landcorp, to bring the Crafar farms to full production.

The creation of a dedicated commercial court is one of the ideas in the Law Commission's review of the NZ court system.

NZ Commerce Committee report has found that most of the holes in the regulatory net have already been filled.