We’re pleased to announce our newly appointed General Manager, Craig Graham. 

Prior to joining Cavell Leitch, Craig served as the Group General Manager of international seed business, Carrfields. Craig has managed teams throughout Australia, New Zealand and India, giving him experience in dealing on an international stage, especially within the regions of Europe and the Asia Pacific.

With multiple years’ experience in senior executive roles, together with the firm’s leadership team, Craig will lead Cavell Leitch as it enters a new phase in the firm’s long term strategy. This will see him supporting Cavell's full operation in driving sustainable business growth and continuing to provide our clients with amazing service.

At Cavell Leitch, we are proud of our legacy and Craig has been appointed to continue this legacy and reinforce our position as one of the South Island’s leading law firms.

We sat down with Craig to hear from him what he has to say about his appointment:

“The first impression I gained when walking into the business and speaking with the partnership was the experience of the existing team.  I am privileged to be part of this team and excited about our growth potential.  As a team, we also have the backing of a board which is willing and ready to adapt with the market. Being immersed in a new environment will certainly provide me with some challenges, but we are evolving and I am proud to be part of the Cavell Leitch team and this next phase in our legacy."

Craig also has some clear objectives with the partnership:

“As one of Canterbury’s leading mid-sized law firms, we are set to change the landscape and old perceptions.  We are a modern, innovative and agile firm.  The expertise of our team is well recognised in the marketplace, we value our people and we like to have fun along the way.”

“The formation of our 10 year strategy will continue to keep us honest and on track to achieve a number of goals for the firm and our clients.”

“I am excited about our future and I look forward to meeting a number of our clients along the way.”

As a firm, we are thrilled to welcome Craig on board.

Written by Natasha Rae - Associate (Immigration)

The New Zealand government is proposing significant changes to the employer-assisted work visa framework. This immigration update is intended to give a brief overview of the key proposed changes. Further updates will follow, when this consultation period closes, and as new policies are implemented.

What are the key proposals?

1. Introduction of a “gateway framework”

This is set to replace all employer-supported work visa categories with a “gateway framework.” The suggested framework is largely employer-led and will introduce three stages that must be satisfied before a work visa can be approved:

Read more here.

Written by Jack Brown - Solicitor (Employment)

The Employment Relations Amendment Act 2018 (the Amendment Act) has received royal assent, meaning it has passed into law. Some provisions of the Act have taken effect already, with the remainder to take effect on 6 May this year.

Hailed “the start of a progressive programme in workplace relations” the Amendment Act makes a number of universal amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2000 (the Act).

One such change is the restriction on the use of 90 day trial periods to only those businesses that employ 19 or fewer employees.

Read more here

Written by Rebecca Collins -  Associate (Trusts and Estates)

Enduring powers of attorney are very important. We recommend these to all our clients, regardless of their age or circumstance. It is now a requirement that anyone signing an enduring power of attorney (the Donor) receives legal advice before they sign. However, the person being appointed as the attorney doesn’t receive any legal advice at all. If you have been appointed an attorney by a family member or friend, then this article will provide you with some guidance as to what that role entails.

Read more here