Q&A:
2012 Consultation on proposed changes to Emissions Trading Scheme
10 May 2012
In this Q&A we answer some questions about the scope and implications of consultation undertaken by the Government on the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme in May 2012...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
FYI:
Climate Change & Emissions Trading – NZ ETS - Update 2012
09 Feb 2012
In our last FYIs on climate change we did some “crystal ball gazing” on the future of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), following the release of the report by the ETS Review Panel...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
FYI:
Climate Change & Emissions Trading – Crystal Ball Gazing the Future of the NZ ETS
10 Oct 2011
The Emissions Trading Scheme Review Panel has released its Final Report. Elisabeth Welson and Joanna Lim crystal ball gaze as to what the Panel's recommendations may mean for participants and others acquiring and disposing of units.
Read this article
FYI:
Climate Change & Emissions Trading – Crystal Ball Gazing the Future of the NZ ETS – a Focus on Agriculture and Forestry
10 Oct 2011
The Emissions Trading Scheme Review Panel has released its Final Report. Elisabeth Welson and Craig Nelson discuss what the Panel's recommendations may mean for the agriculture and forestry sectors.
Read this article
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...
Read this article
FYI:
Climate Change & Emissions Trading – First Annual Report on the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme
29 Aug 2011
The first annual report on the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme has been hailed by the Government as indicating that the scheme is "working as intended". Elisabeth Welson and Joanna Lim comment on key points...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
Feature Article:
Simplifying Trans-Tasman Investment
15 Mar 2011
The New Zealand and Australian Governments signed an Investment Protocol in February 2011. The protocol aims to cut the amount of red tape involved in investment between the two countries. This article provides background on the Investment Protocol, and briefly explains how it will work in practice...
Read this article
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...
Read the full abstract
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...
Read more | close x
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!
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
Q&A:
Climate Change & Emissions Trading – What is New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme and How Does it Affect Me?
01 Oct 2010
New Zealand has an Emissions Trading Scheme that requires "participants" to account for emissions or removals of greenhouse gases. This has been developed as part of New Zealand's response to climate change in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol...
Read this article
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).
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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.
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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'...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
FYI:
Climate Change – Report on the Review of the Emissions Trading Scheme and Related Matters
08 Sep 2009
Eight months after the Emissions Trading Scheme Review Committee was set up, it has released its report on the review of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme. The report comprises a majority report and four ...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
FYI:
Climate Change – Emissions Trading Update
12 Jun 2009
The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme was referred to a Special Select Committee for review shortly after being enacted in October 2008. Although the outcome of the review process remains uncertain, work on...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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?...
Read this article
FYI:
Climate Change – Greenhouse Gas Discharges - A Matter of National Interest
28 Jan 2009
The long awaited decision of the Supreme Court in Greenpeace New Zealand Inc v Genesis Power Ltd [2008] NZSC 112 was released shortly before Christmas...
Read this article
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'...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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'...
Read this article
FYI:
Sales & Marketing – Proposed New Rules for "Supplemented Food"
09 Sep 2008
If you import, manufacture, label, or advertise supplemented food then take note...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
FYI:
Climate Change – Paying the Cost of Carbon: An Update On New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme
26 Jun 2008
The Select Committee report on the Climate Change (Emissions Trading and Renewable Preference) Bill was released on 16 June 2008...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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...
Read this article
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"...
Read this article
