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Reform of the Holidays Act: What Employers Should Expect
On 23 September 2025, the Government announced it will repeal the Holidays Act 2003 and replace it with a new Employment Leave Act. According to Workplace Relations and Safety Minister...
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Preparing for a new employment leave regime: What’s going to change in 2028
The much anticipated Employment Leave Act was passed recently, marking the start of a two-year transition to a new regime for holidays and leave. When the bulk of the Employment...
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Regulatory Changes Underfoot What Flooring Pros Need to Know About the Building Overseas Building Products
Rebecca Richter, Lawyer, Ford Sumner Lawyers. New Zealand’s construction sector is undergoing a significant regulatory update that will impact all contractors, suppliers and manufacturers, including those in the flooring industry. The...
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Small Homes, Big Opportunities: What the Building and Construction (Small Stand-alone Dwellings) Amendment Bill Means
Rebecca Richter, Lawyer, Ford Sumner Lawyers New Zealand’s construction sector is undergoing a significant regulatory update that will impact all homeowners, contractors, architects and insurers. The Building and Construction (Small Stand-alone...
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Keep the cash flowing – tips to get paid – Part 2
Rebecca Richter, Lawyer, Ford Sumner Lawyers Cashflow is king for any small contractor — yet late payments or clients who don’t pay at all can cripple your business. But one powerful...
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Christmas Special: Employment law tips for the holiday season
As the festive season approaches, it’s the perfect time for employers to start planning, not just for a well-earned break, but for the unique workplace issues that can arise at...
Read moreKeep the Cash Flowing – Tradie Tips to Get Paid – Part 1
Rebecca Richter, Lawyer, Ford Sumner Lawyers Cashflow is king for any contractor — yet late payments, unclear terms, or clients who don’t pay at all can cripple your business. A good...
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Big Win for Subcontractors on Retentions
The High Court of New Zealand has delivered a landmark ruling in Burt & Ors v Grant [2025] NZHC 2486, and it is great news for subcontractors who’ve had retentions withheld. Ford...
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Breaks legislation – Do employees have to take breaks?
The law regarding break allowances for employees changed in 2019 The Employment Relations Amendment Act 2018 amended the Employment Relations Act 2000 to state that: “an employee is entitled to,...
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Dealing with statutory demands during the Christmas and New Year period
After a long and busy year, it can be easy for company directors to overlook key obligations and timeframes over the Christmas and New Year period. However, it is fundamental...
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Subbies suck it up again? Stanley Group collapse leads to calls for subbie protection
On 5 September 2019, Auckland and Waikato-based Stanley Group/Tallwood became the latest in a long line of construction companies to go to the wall. Initial estimates put the amount owed...
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Solvency – A Plague On Directors’ Minds
Solvency issues are top of mind for many Kiwi businesses in the face of the prolonged disruption caused by COVID-19, together with rising interest rates, inflation and supply chain issues....
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