FYI:
Overseas Investment – A new threshold for New Zealand investments by Australian investors
14 Feb 2013
Overseas investors are currently required to obtain consent from the Overseas Investment Office before making any investment in "significant business assets", "sensitive land", or "fishing quota" in New Zealand...
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FYI:
Overseas Investment – Lessons from the Crafar Consent
03 May 2012
The Government has, for the second time, approved Shanghai Pengxin Group’s purchase of 16 dairy farms, known as the Crafar farms...
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FYI:
Overseas Investment – Implications of the Crafar Decision
21 Feb 2012
The High Court has set aside the Government's consent to Shanghai Pengxin Group's purchase of 16 dairy farms around the North Island of New Zealand, known as the Crafar farms...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Christmas Crackers
13 Dec 2011
The Christmas season is upon us and it is time to reflect on another year in the sometimes peculiar world of sales and marketing. Here we bring you the advertisements that pushed the boundaries, the bizarre complaints, and the amusing advertiser responses from New Zealand, Australia and the US...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – FGC Conference 2011: The Highlights
10 Nov 2011
Last week, Peter Stubbs addressed over 200 food and grocery industry delegates at the annual New Zealand Food and Grocery Council Conference in Wellington. In this FYI, we bring you the highlights of Peter's speech...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Natural Health Products Bill: An Unnecessary Evil?
26 Sep 2011
The Natural Health Products Bill is set to establish a dedicated, risk-based regime for regulating natural health products in New Zealand...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Government Announcement on Consumer Law Reform
18 Mar 2011
The Government released two Cabinet Papers setting out proposed reforms to be made to our consumer laws. These will be part of a Consumer Law Reform Bill to be introduced this year...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Food Bill
14 Feb 2011
A bill to replace the Food Act 1981 is currently being considered by Parliament. The Food Bill (Bill) was scrutinised by the Primary Production Select Committee...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing
A bill to replace the Food Act 1981 is currently being considered by Parliament. The Food Bill (Bill) was scrutinised by the Primary Production Select Committee. If passed in its current form, the Bill would have severe and far-reaching consequences for food manufacturers, exporters, and the wider food industry in general...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Christmas Crackers
21 Dec 2010
This festive season, we take a look back at the year that was in the exciting world of sales and marketing regulation. We’ll look at the funny ads, the dubious complaints, and the humorous advertiser responses that have come out of New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. Merry Christmas!
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FYI:
Overseas Investment – New Directives for Overseas Investment in New Zealand Farms
17 Dec 2010
The Government released draft regulations and a Ministerial directive letter in relation to overseas investment in New Zealand farms on 9 December 2010. The regulations and directive letter are expected to come into effect on 13 January 2011...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Consumer Law Reform: Creating More Problems than it Solves?
13 Dec 2010
In June 2010, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs released a discussion paper (Discussion Paper) outlining a review of our consumer laws. This FYI follows up on our November FYI on the general problems with the Discussion Paper...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Consumer Law Reform: Is There a Need for Review?
22 Nov 2010
In June 2010, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs released a discussion paper outlining a review of our consumer laws. This FYI follows up on our June FYI on the Discussion Paper...
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FYI:
Overseas Investment – Changes to the New Zealand Overseas Investment Regime
06 Oct 2010
Changes to New Zealand’s overseas investment regime were announced on 27 September 2010 by the Minister of Finance the Hon Bill English. The changes stem from the Government’s recently completed review of New Zealand’s overseas investment laws, and are due to come into effect in December 2010...
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Q&A:
Sales & Marketing – New and Updated New Zealand Advertising Standards Authority Codes
19 Jul 2010
Peter Stubbs discusses the implications of the new Children's Code for Advertising Food (Children's Food Code).
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Product endorsements: sensible selling or marketing minefield?
30 Apr 2010
Claiming that your product has been endorsed by the rich and famous, or the consumer masses has always been a powerful marketing tool...
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FYI:
Applied Business Law – Don't Know Exactly What's in Your Supply Chain? Then Brace Yourself for the Backlash
29 Mar 2010
Consumers want to know exactly what's in your products, where the ingredients or components came from, and whether your ethics measure up with theirs.
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Dietary Supplements Reform: A Lighter Shade of Grey?
26 Mar 2010
We summarise the main proposals from the Government and Ministry of Health's paper on a proposed Natural Health Products Bill to replace the Dietary Supplements Regulations...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Dietary Supplements: Food-Type or Therapeutic-Type? A change in the law!
11 Feb 2010
With no public announcement, the Dietary Supplements Regulations have been amended. The amendment, coming into force on 31 March this year...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Tis the season to be...providing refunds?
22 Dec 2009
Christmas, it's the season for gift giving and gift receiving. A time where gifts are thoughtfully picked. After all, it's the 'thought that counts'...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Organic food fraud - big business or big trouble?
30 Nov 2009
Think you can get away with organic food fraud? Think again...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Risking the Hefty Cost of a product recall?
29 Oct 2009
The telephone rings. On the other end is a panicked employee telling you that a series of complaints have been overlooked. The complaints show that after using your product, consumers have been hurt...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Consumer Law - Is Radical Reform Set to Jump the Ditch?
29 Sep 2009
Just across the Tasman the Australian Government is reforming consumer law. The wide-ranging changes will impose new burdens on manufacturers and suppliers...
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FYI:
Applied Business Law – Facing Bankruptcy? How about this for a Proposal!
29 Sep 2009
There has been exponential growth in the numbers of companies facing insolvency. For the year ending June 2009 the Insolvency and Trustee Service alone has administered 373 liquidations...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Made In New Zealand? Yeah Right!
07 Aug 2009
If a product is marketed as 'made in New Zealand' or has its country of origin recorded as 'New Zealand' there is no doubt that this attracts consumers who in many instances are prepared to pay a premium for New Zealand made products...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – "It takes 20 years to build reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it..."
20 Jul 2009
Whatever your industry, whether you are a private, public or not for profit organisation a compliance programme is an essential tool to help you make more money and keep the money you have made...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Jul 2009
I recently obtained selling rights to a new product and an email database. I intend using the database to send out emails to develop business...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Jul 2009
Our company specialises in business solutions and providing information to businesses to assist them in minimising their bad debt and fraud...
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FYI:
Stop Press – Bill Delays ETS Timing as Government's ETS Review Continues
19 Jun 2009
On Thursday 18 June, the Government introduced the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Forestry Sector) Amendment Bill amending the timing of the emissions trading scheme relating to forestry...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Product Stewardship under the Waste Minimisation Act - Will it apply to you?
05 May 2009
Since the Waste Minimisation Act came into force in September 2008, the Ministry for the Environment has begun the process of implementing the Act, starting with a focus on product stewardship...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 May 2009
I have just received a notice from the Commerce Commission requesting information regarding the operation of my business. I really can't be bothered getting involved...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 May 2009
I'm in the process of launching a marketing campaign for a new product. I plan to advertise the product by offering it on a 15 day trial period for $X...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 May 2009
I'm running a promotion that offers a car as first prize. Rather than give the lucky winner the car I'm considering simply giving them the equivalent value of the car in cash...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – The Warehouse Decision: A Bargain?
14 Apr 2009
The Warehouse Limited recently gained unwanted attention when the Commerce Commission issued proceedings, resulting in The Warehouse pleading guilty to numerous breaches of The Fair Trading Act and total fines of $209,600...
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FYI:
Corporate Advisory – New Zealand's Overseas Investment Regime Under Review: What's wrong with it and what are the alternatives?
25 Mar 2009
Finance Minister Bill English recently announced a review of the Overseas Investment Act 2005 and the Overseas Investment Regulations 2005...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – 'Greenwashing' or 'Wishwashing': A look into the proposed guidelines for carbon claims
19 Mar 2009
Hard on the heels of the Commerce Commission's 'Green Marketing' guidelines issued in December last year, the Commission recently released draft guidelines surrounding carbon offset and neutrality claims...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Mar 2009
I wish to run a promotion offering customers a "Free USB memory stick". All they have to do is either enter their details online or write to us...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Mar 2009
I'm in the business of marketing children's toys and have recently heard about a decision of the Advertising Standards Authority in relation to...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Mar 2009
I grow oranges and lemons and have a stall at the local farmers' market. Is there anything to stop me selling oranges...
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FYI:
Climate Change – Emissions Trading Scheme - Continued Uncertainty For The Forestry Sector
19 Feb 2009
The Emission Trading Scheme Review Committee, established to honour a commitment given by National to ACT in return for support on confidence and supply, has been mandated to review the emissions trading scheme...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – The Progressive decision - For whom?
16 Feb 2009
Your business runs a promotion offering consumers the chance to win a prize or gift. What do you do when the offer has closed?...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – 'Green' Claims: turning over a new leaf in 2009
11 Dec 2008
Last Thursday the New Zealand Commerce Commission released guidelines for 'Green Marketing'...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Dec 2008
I own a company whose database includes customers' personal information. I also have affiliations with an off-shore company. I have heard...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Dec 2008
I am a retailer. Various manufacturers of products I stock offer inducements to customers in the shape of cash back offers. I have received a raft of complaints...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Dec 2008
I manufacture household cleaning products and in keeping with the market trend wish to label them as being "eco-friendly"...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Thinking of making a 'Grrrrrreen' claim - then think twice
11 Nov 2008
If two recent investigations by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Australia's equivalent to the New Zealand Commerce Commission) are anything to go by those making 'green' claims should sit up and take notice...
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FYI:
Corporate Advisory – Overseas Investment in Strategically Important Infrastructure: Any More Certainty?
05 Nov 2008
There remains a crying need for more certainty, and quickly, particularly given recent political statements that investing in infrastructure will be an important part of helping the New Zealand economy weather the current global economic downturn...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Oct 2008
I'm considering running a sales promotion where a lucky customer will win $100,000. Eligible customers will be placed in an initial draw and the winner of that draw...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Oct 2008
I am the marketing manager of a snack food manufacturer and have heard about the recent 'Bluebird' decision. Are there important lessons...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Oct 2008
I am a retailer that offers extended warranties to customers. Should I reconsider offering them in light of the recent press release by the...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Oct 2008
I manufacture and market products that are sold in New Zealand, and want to label them as being 'NZ made'. Can you please tell me...
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FYI:
Climate Change – It's not easy being green
15 Sep 2008
In an era of carbon neutrality and growing environmental awareness, the word 'sustainability' has become as common place in business circles as 'profitability'...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Proposed New Rules for "Supplemented Food"
09 Sep 2008
If you import, manufacture, label, or advertise supplemented food then take note...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Aug 2008
I have just started importing cars that are more environmentally friendly than other cars. I would like to promote their green credentials...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Aug 2008
I sell computers, I believe our prices are lower than all our competitors in New Zealand. Can I advertise that we have the "BEST prices on computers in New Zealand"?...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – 'Rugby Superstars' Bluebird chips promotion
31 Jul 2008
Warning! The snack food industry must pay particular attention to a recent decision by the Advertising Standards Complaints Board...
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FYI:
Climate Change – Select Committee Report: Emissions Trading Scheme and Forestry
17 Jul 2008
In our last FYI on New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme we touched on some of the highlights of the Select Committee report on the Climate Change (Emissions Trading and Renewable Preference) Bill...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Do Your Food Labels Accurately Reflect The Product Itself?
11 Jun 2008
Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the contents of the food they eat...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Jun 2008
I am in the clothing business. I want to market/advertise a particular Italian brand focusing on its Italian stylishness...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Jun 2008
We are starting up a new men’s clinic and want to advertise our services. We understand that there have been a number of complaints made against...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Waste, Reduce, Recycle: Waste Minimisation Bill
30 May 2008
Most products will create waste, either from the packaging or the product itself. The Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill was a private members Bill, introduced by Nandor Tanczos of the Green Party...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Apr 2008
The word "sale" is designed to appeal to the bargain-hunter in all of us. As a retailer, you must exercise care when advertising a sale...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Apr 2008
I am a producer of frozen spinach, "Spiny Spinach". Can I use pictures of cartoon characters on the packaging to encourage...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Apr 2008
I am a manufacturer of toothpaste, I want to advertise on the packaging of our new toothpaste, "Purely White" that it "lasts 12 hours"...
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FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Public Health Bill & Food
20 Mar 2008
The Public Health Bill is a major legislative reform which reviews and updates the Health Act 1956. The public submissions period closed on 7 March...
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FYI:
Corporate Advisory – New Zealand Government creates legal quicksand for overseas investors in strategic infrastructure
05 Feb 2008
According to Dr Cullen, the change was "made in response to the uncertainty and debate that have emerged surrounding the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board's offer to shareholders in Auckland International Airport"...
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Q&A:
Marketing
01 Feb 2008
I own a business near Eden Park and I heard on the news that the Government has passed an Act that will restrict how I advertise during the Rugby World Cup in 2011...
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