Dear customer,  Spring is definitely in the air - something we appreciated when some of the Smith and Partners team, and members of Future Leaders of West Auckland descended on Tamariki Reserve to remove weeds that were strangling the native bush.This fun event, Waitakere Festival on the Road, was one of the weeding and planting days organised by the Waitakere Festival in conjunction with Sustainable Neighbourhoods. Smith and Partners' support of this event is an extension of our on-going financial sponsorship of the annual Waitakere Festival. Back in the office, we recently welcomed three new staff members. Solicitor, Johann Rocha will be working on all aspects of property law and estate planning. Charlotte Hendriks has started with us part time as Database Assistant, and Dale Rasmussen is assisting each of the partners with a comprehensive family trust review in his role as Legal Assistant. We’ll be at Henderson Park the Sunday of Labour weekend for the Waitakere Festival, a celebration of West Auckland – the place and the people. Come along to enjoy the live music, eat the best of West Auckland’s food and experience the marketplace. Waitakere Festival is a free family event and we’d love to see you there! Regards, Peter, Greg, Wade & Ruth  |
| EMPLOYMENT LAW How to respond to a personal grievance claim by an ex-employee  Have you just received a personal grievance from an ex-employee? Don’t know how to respond? Experienced employment lawyer, Carolyn Ranson explains the key points when responding to a personal grievance claim. READ MORE » BUSINESS LAW Incorporated societies vs. charitable trusts – which is better for your organisation?  Deciding on the best legal status for your organisation, regardless of whether it is a club, society or charity, is an important step to make sure it is an on-going success. These decisions become particularly important where significant assets have been built up, or are likely to be acquired. Peter Smith provides a strategic overview of incorporated societies and charitable trusts. READ MORE »FAMILY LAW Lending or gifting a home deposit to your children – what you need to know  Many parents want to help their children buy their first house. However, before you gift or “loan” money to your children, you need to know about the risks and implications. Ruth Gregory discusses some of the risks and how to make sure your original intentions for any gift or loan are protected.READ MORE » PROPERTY LAW What do home buyers need to know about the new 20% deposit rules?  The new requirement to provide a 20% deposit can be daunting for home buyers. Johann Rocha outlines what you need to know about the new rules as a borrower, and some of your options to help you reach the 20% requirement.READ MORE » |
BUSINESS LAW Shareholders agreements: A valuable asset for any business  What is a shareholders agreement? How does a shareholders agreement contribute to making your company a success? Eddie Bluegum outlines how a shareholders agreement works, what it covers, how it can protect your investment as a shareholder and the risks all shareholders face if the company does not have one in place.READ MORE » WILLS AND TRUSTS Trusts under fire? The review of trust law in New Zealand After a four year review, the Law Commission has released their official recommendations on changes to trust legislation. The Government has not yet incorporated any recommendations into draft legislation. Everyone involved with a family trust, settlors, trustees and even beneficiaries, should follow these changes closely. Ruth Gregory outlines some of proposed changes and their effects on the management of trusts. READ MORE »PROPERTY LAWTime to make submissions on the Auckland unitary plan  Does the new Unitary Plan adversely affect your property or business? Do you disagree with the proposed changes? Jason Carruthers outlines the Unitary Plan approval process and explains the short timeframe you have to make a formal submission if you feel the plan should be amended.READ MORE » |
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