11 January 2013
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
New Zealand Law Society information shows that at 8 January 2013 there were 1180 practising lawyers in the area covered by the Law Society's Canterbury-Westland branch. This was 10.3% of all New Zealand-based lawyers (11 434). Most Canterbury-Westland lawyers are located in Christchurch (the 3rd-highest number in New Zealand) Timaru ... More about Canterbury-Westland has 10% of NZ lawyers.
9 January 2013
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The development of webinars as an effective way of presenting continuing legal education means lawyers throughout the areas covered by the Canterbury-Westland branch will be able to stay updated with a wide range of legal developments during 2013. The New Zealand Law Society's legal education provider NZLS CLE Ltd has ... More about NZLS CLE Ltd webinar programme for first half of 2013.
19 September 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment has released an information sheet on insurance payments for unit title developments in Canterbury. The sheet sets out information for the unit owner in a unit title development that has been damaged or destroyed where the body corporate is receiving a payment under ... More about Unit Titles insurance information sheet released.
19 June 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Courts Minister Chester Borrows has announced the construction of a purpose-built facility for Youth Court hearings at Christchurch’s Ngā Hau e Whā marae. “The new temporary youth courtroom will help us deliver the best possible response to youth offending in Christchurch by minimising contact between youth and adult offenders and ... More about New Youth Court buildings for marae.
6 June 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Information released by Justice Minister Judith Collins shows a fall of 6.5% from 2010 to 2011 in the number of lawyers who have taken on legal aid work in the West Coast region. Between 2006 and 2011 however the number of lawyers in the region who took on legal aid ... More about Information released on West Coast lawyers taking on legal aid work.
6 June 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Information released by Justice Minister Judith Collins shows a slight fall from 2010 to 2011 in the number of lawyers who have taken on legal aid work in the Canterbury region. Between 2006 and 2011 however the number of lawyers in the region who took on legal aid work rose ... More about Information released on Canterbury lawyers taking on legal aid work.
5 June 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
A number of successful prosecutions of company directors and officers recently has prompted the development of a webinar by the Law Society’s continuing legal education company NZLS CLE Ltd. Lawyers in the Canterbury Westland branch area will be able to view the two-hour webinar from 9:30am on 26 July. Registration ... More about Webinar considers litigation against directors and companies.
5 June 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Information released by Statistics New Zealand shows that 74.3% of all prosecuted charges in District Courts and the High Court in the Christchurch court cluster resulted in conviction in 2011. This is close to the national average of 74.5%. Prosecuted charges resulted in diversion 5.3% of the time in Christchurch ... More about Christchurch conviction rate close to national average.
5 June 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The often complex issues involved in transactions involving farmers will be considered in a NZLS CLE Ltd webinar on 28 June. Entitled Fonterra update and Federated Farmers (employment relationship issues) the one-hour webinar starts at 11am and may be accessed by all Canterbury Westland branch lawyers who register by 3pm ... More about Webinar will give update on Fonterra and farming issues.
28 May 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Canterbury-Westland Branch of the New Zealand Law Society will be holding an employment law seminar on 20 June. The employment law update will be on the Massey Case Trial Periods and the new S103A. Tim McGin Brad McDonald and Dean Kilpatrick will speak on these issues at the Burnside ... More about Employment Law Seminar.
20 April 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has announced a three month extension to the time required for insured residential red zoned property owners to choose a settlement option. “Over 4200 people have already accepted one of the Crown offers that were first made in June 2011 and the Government is ... More about Three month extension for red zone option choice.
20 April 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Canterbury-Westland branch President Allister Davis has been elected the new South Island Vice-President of the Law Society. Mr Davis was one of four new Vice-Presidents elected at the 13 April Law Society Council meeting in Wellington to replace the outgoing Vice-Presidents whose terms had expired. Mr Davis was elected branch ... More about Christchurch lawyer elected Law Society Vice-President.
20 April 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Canterbury-Westland lawyers with clients living in rural areas have the opportunity to participate in a special one-hour webinar aimed at clarifying the complex issues around rural succession planning. Succession Planning for Rural Practitioners will be presented on 8 June for one hour from 11:00am. It will look at how practitioners ... More about Guiding your clients through rural succession planning.
20 April 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Law Society's legal education company NZLS CLE Ltd is planning two webinars to give lawyers in the Canterbury-Westland branch area valuable information on new and planned legislation. Webinars enable anyone - no matter where they are located - to hear presentations on a particular topic view PowerPoint slides and ... More about Webinars offer chance to learn about new legislation.
16 April 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Anderson Lloyd and Kensington Swan say they have formed an alliance in Christchurch. The alliance will be confined to the provision of legal services relating to the rebuilding of Christchurch. A statement released on behalf of the two firms says that between them they will offer eight resource management partners ... More about Anderson Lloyd and Kensington Swan set up Christchurch venture.
12 April 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Canterbury-Westland Branch junior practitioners are invited to a winery bus tour on Saturday 5 May. This is a fun tour and will cover three wineries and a BBQ for a fee of $50. The bus will leave from Trevinos 22 Riccarton Road promptly at 1045am in the morning with attendees ... More about Junior practitioner winery tour.
2 April 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) has told parliament's Primary Production Committee that it will face some complex possibly unforseen challenges as the Canterbury earthquake recovery continues but believes it has the expertise to deal with them. In the report of the committee's 2010/11 Financial Review of Land Information New Zealand ... More about LINZ gives insight into re-classification of land.
16 March 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Christchurch Junior Practitioners Committee invites all practitioners to a seminar on associate judges’ jurisdiction. Associate Judge Osbourne and Associate Judge Matthews will address a variety of topics on Monday 16 April at Cambridge Court No 2 99-101 Cambridge Tce. The topics covered will include: New discovery rules. Movement to ... More about Associate judges' jurisdiction - seminar .
29 February 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Christchurch lawyer Simon Price has been appointed the new chairman of NZ LAW Limited with Auckland lawyer David Graham taking on the role of director. These appointments took effect from 4 November 2011. Mr Price has taken over from Hastings lawyer Jim Ferguson who has retired from NZ LAW’s board. ... More about Canterbury practitioner new NZ LAW chairman.
27 February 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Canterbury – Westland Branch invites practitioners high and district court judges to The Great Debate –a debate between senior and junior lawyers. Chaired by Associate Judge Osborne the night’s moot will be: Enthusiasm v experience – do junior lawyers do it better? It will be centred around the fact ... More about The Great Debate.
17 February 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
A 150-minute videoconference to update property lawyers on developments in the Property Law Act 2007 is to be held in Greymouth and Timaru on 1 May 2012. The videoconference is being run by the New Zealand Law Society’s continuing legal education arm NZLS CLE Ltd. It will be held in ... More about Property Law Act update available for Timaru and West Coast lawyers.
16 February 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Ministry of Justice has released an update on progress with the Rangiora District Court which was closed in late November 2011 after engineering experts warned there was a high risk of partial or full collapse in a significant seismic event. The ministry says Rangiora District Court cases will continue ... More about Update on Rangiora courthouse released.
3 February 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Courts Minister Chester Borrows visited Christchurch on 2 February and says the recovery of justice services in Christchurch is making excellent progress. Mr Borrows visited seven Ministry of Justice facilities including the successful District Court operation at Ngā Hau e Whā marae in the eastern suburbs and the site of ... More about Courts Minister happy with progress.
3 February 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Like everyone else in Christchurch Law Society Library staff were looking forward to the Christmas holiday break more than usual after all the stresses and challenges of 2011. Some were just a few hours into holiday mode on 23 December when a fresh cluster of earthquakes shook the city violently ... More about Christchurch law library explores space options.
17 January 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Canterbury-Westland branch members are invited to meet the NZLS President and the Board at a cocktail function. The free event will be held at the Westpac Hub Addington (adjacent to the CBS Canterbury Arena) on 10 February 2012 between 5.15pm and 7pm. If you wish to attend please complete this ... More about Branch cocktail function .
16 January 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Information released by the Department of Building and Housing's Weathertight Homes Resolution Service shows that there were 194 active claims covering 110 properties in the Canterbury-Westland branch region at 8 January 2012. The majority of these (178 claims on 94 properties) were in the Christchurch city council region. There was ... More about Christchurch hosts majority of leaky homes.
16 January 2012
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry Psychology and Law has released the dates of the annual Mental Health Law presentations in Canterbury. It will be held in Christchurch on Tuesday 10 July 2012. The program is presently being finalised but again will be topical and relevant to people ... More about Mental health law conference.
20 December 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Ministry of Justice says jury trials will resume in Christchurch next year and people are now being summoned for jury duty. Justice Deputy Secretary Christchurch Jared Mullen says this is a big step in resuming full justice services in the city and requires the support of people serving as ... More about Christchurch jury trial arrangements begin.
16 December 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Ministry of Justice has released an update of arrangments following the closure of the Rangiora courthouse for earthquake strengthening. From 15 December 2011 all Christchurch District Court daily arrest cases that would normally be heard at the Rangiora District Court will be heard in Court 2 in the Tower ... More about Update on Rangiora courthouse arrangements.
8 December 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Ministry of Justice has extended the application arrangements for legal aid providers who have been affected by the Canterbury earthquakes. Canterbury lawyers now have until 30 June 2012 to provide work samples for legal aid provider applications. Recognising that some providers were unable to access their files and records ... More about Extension of application arrangement for legal aid providers affected by the Canterbury earthquakes..
6 December 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
An increase in demand for insurance lawyers due to the earthquakes and resulting damage has prompted the University of Canterbury to offer a special one-semester course in 2012. The course will allow practising lawyers to obtain a “Certificate of Proficiency” or a “cultural” enrolment in insurance law at the. Canterbury ... More about Increase in demand for insurance lawyers prompts course.
6 December 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Ministry of Justice has announced details of arrangements for the Rangiora courthouse which has been closed for earthquake remedial work. Sentencing cases due to be heard on 1 December 2011 have been rescheduled to 14 December 2011 at a venue to be advised. From 5 December to 10 December ... More about New arrangements for Rangiora District Court announced.
1 December 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Ministry of Justice has announced that the Rangiora District Court will be temporarily closed while earthquake strengthening work is carried out. The closure is effective from 1 December 2011 and the ministry says Rangiora District Court business will transfer to "existing sites across Christchurch". The ministry says current indications ... More about Rangiora District Court to be temporarily closed.
11 November 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Christchurch law firm Cavell Leitch Law has won the Marsh Insurance Law Award at the 2011 New Zealand Law Awards. The awards - in their seventh year - were presented in Auckland on 10 November. Another Christchurch firm Lane Neave Lawyers won the Legal Personnel Employer of Choice award for ... More about Cavell Leitch Law takes Law Award.
9 November 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
University of Canterbury law academic Dr John Hopkins has been named a Fulbright Visiting Scholar in New Zealand Studies for 2012. Dr Hopkins will research the Administrative Procedure Act and the US system of federalism and teach a course on comparative global constitutionalism from a Pacific viewpoint at Georgetown University ... More about UC law academic named Fulbright Visiting Scholar in NZ Studies.
3 November 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Ministry of Justice has announced a revised system of travel payments to meet the needs of Christchurch legal aid lawyers. These will apply from 7 November 2011. The ministry says that following the February earthquake in Christchurch legal aid lawyers have needed to travel to a number of places ... More about Legal aid travel costs changed for Christchurch.
2 November 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Retired District Court Judge Michael Green has died in Auckland. Judge Green and his wife Joan had moved from their home in Christchurch after the February 2011 earthquake. He began his career in the law in Timaru after receiving an LLB from Canterbury University. He is survived by Joan and ... More about Judge Michael Green dies.
21 October 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Jury trials in central Christchurch will operate from early next year Minister for Courts Georgina te Heuheu has announced. A number of modular buildings known as portacoms are being used to construct the purpose-designed jury building. The facility will be located near the Christchurch Central Police Station on Cambridge Terrace. ... More about Jury trials return to Christchurch in early 2012.
21 October 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Courts Minister Georgina te Heuheu says jury trials in central Christchurch will operate from early 2012. A number of modular buildings known as portacoms are being used to construct the purpose-designed jury building. The facility will be located near the Christchurch Central Police Station on Cambridge Terrace. Mrs te Heuheu ... More about Jury trials to return to Christchurch in early 2012.
20 October 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Information released by the Department of Building and Housing's Weathertight Homes Resolution Service shows that there were 195 active claims covering 111 properties in the Canterbury region at 30 September 2011. There were no buildings or claims in the West Coast region. The majority (180 active claims and 96 properties) ... More about Nearly 200 leaky building claims in region.
18 October 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Association of Dispute Resolvers Leader has posted advance notice of 2012 mediation workshop dates on its website. The dates for the workshops are as follows: Auckland 20-24 March 2012 & Auckland 6-10 November 2012 Wellington 19-23 June 2012 South Island 14-18 August 2012 For expressions of interest contact the ... More about Leader workshops 2012.
17 October 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Faculty of Law University of Canterbury will host the New Zealand Law Foundation’s 2012 Distinguished Visiting Fellow Professor Andrew Ashworth. Professor Ashworth is visiting New Zealand in February and March 2012. During his time in New Zealand he will give public lectures on: 1. The fundamental right to liberty ... More about University of Canterbury to host Professor Andrew Ashworth.
14 October 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Local authorities and developers will be able to make land available for post-earthquake residential development with certainty due to changes to the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement says Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee. "The Government believes that process needs to be sped up and modified to accommodate the events of ... More about Changes to speed up urban planning in Christchurch.
12 October 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Canterbury-Westland councils processed 95% of their resource consent applications on schedule in the year ended June 2011. This is on par with the national average of 95%. 9% of the regions application deadlines were extended through the use of section 37. Nationally during 2010-2011 36 154 resource consent applications ... More about 95% of region's resource consent applications processed on time.
7 October 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
A report into approvals of subdivisions in Christchurch and Kaiapoi badly affected by Canterbury's earthquakes has resulted in the Government proposing changes to the Resource Management Act to better manage the risk of natural hazards. The fact finding report by consultants Hill Young Cooper and Resource Management Group Limited investigated ... More about Report on subdivisions results in proposals to amend RMA.
4 October 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Department of Building and Housing has released its technical report from its investigation into the collapse of three large multi-storey Christchurch buildings - Pyne Gould Corporation (PGC) Forsyth Barr and Hotel Grand Chancellor. The investigation has been conducted by leading New Zealand engineering consultants and their findings peer reviewed ... More about DBH technical report into building collapse released.
4 October 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Department of Labour will be contacting Canterbury employers requesting information to aid future business planning. Up to 2000 employers are being surveyed from the end of September through October and asked about the impact of the earthquakes how businesses have responded what challenges they faced and which support services ... More about DOL to survey Canterbury employers .
28 September 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Christchurch City Council is proposing the development of a new bylaw to address any potential issues with the possible re-location of brothels and accompanying signage advertising commercial sexual services. Many of the large known brothels other than small owner-operated brothels are located in the Central City. Most of these brothels’ ... More about Christchurch council proposes bylaw.
22 September 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Reports of Christchurch residents settling insurance or property-related matters without awareness of their full entitlements has caused the New Zealand Law Society to reiterate its warning to homeowners. The Law Society says settlement agreements are being made to the detriment of Christchurch homeowners with earthquake damaged properties. Some have accepted ... More about NZLS repeats warning to Christchurch homeowners.
20 September 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Canterbury-Westland region will be expected to implement a single report for presentation of information required under the Sentencing Act 2002. The West Coast will begin from 1 March 2012. Christchurch starts on 31 March 2012. The Department of Corrections' Community Probation Services (CPS) says it has implemented a new ... More about New court sentencing reports .
8 September 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Gift duty will be repealed from 1 October 2011 but lawyers are being warned that they shouldn’t automatically advise clients to forgive any outstanding debts owed to them by a family trust. Doing so could result in clients becoming ineligible for means-tested benefits in the future including the residential care ... More about Webinar will look at practical implications of gift duty repeal.
5 September 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Justice Minister Simon Power and Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson have visited the Nga Hau e Wha Marae in Bromley which is being used as a temporary courthouse following the Canterbury earthquakes. The marae has been hearing both criminal and family matters since April and is one of several interim court facilities ... More about Ministers visit Nga Hau e Wha Marae courthouse.
30 August 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The New Zealand Law Society's Property Law Section and Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) have jointly published a guideline for conveyancing records lost or destroyed in the Canterbury earthquakes. The guideline provides information on replacing lost documents for conveyancing transactions yet to be registered and for addressing lost supporting documentation ... More about Guidelines for lost conveyancing and trust account records.
29 August 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Ministry of Justice says that compared to pre-22 February earthquake levels total active cases across all jurisdictions in Christchurch are currently 16% higher. In its latest Christchurch Earthquake Response summary the ministry says that while utlilising temporary and permanent facilities on a multi-jurisdictional basis is ensuring that caseloads are ... More about Pressure growing in caseload for some Christchurch courts.
29 August 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Deputy Secretary of Justice (Courts) Andrew Hampton says it has now been 6 months since the devastating earthquake of 22 February. "The long list of achievements and the effort invested by the Ministry of Justice our justice sector stakeholders the profession and the judiciary into the recovery of court ... More about Six months of legal recovery efforts acknowledged.
25 August 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The New Zealand Bankers Association has prepared an information sheet on the government's offer to purchase residential properties in the Red Zone from a banking industry perspective. The information sheet gives details of the role banks will play in the sale and purchase process information and contacts from each bank ... More about Bankers provide information on Red Zone stance.
23 August 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Government has announced it will appoint a third lawyer to assist families of 22 February Canterbury earthquake victims. The decision comes after the Attorney-General Chris Finlayson met on Sunday with some families of Canterbury earthquake victims to hear concerns about their level of representation in the Royal Commission of ... More about Another lawyer to assist earthquake victims families .
22 August 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
All legal practitioners who are or will be acting for vendors of residential red zone properties in Christchurch are being advised to refer to the CERA website for further information. The settlement database should be used in order to complete transactions.Lawyers who are acting and whose firm has not yet ... More about Red Zone purchase lawyers advised to refer to CERA website.
19 August 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
New Zealand Law Society information on practising certificates on issue at 1 August 2011 shows that Canterbury-Westland branch has 9.8% of New Zealand's lawyers. Of the 1093 practising certificates held by Canterbury-Westland lawyers 650 are held by men and 443 by women - meaning 59% of Canterbury-Westland lawyers are men. ... More about 9.8% of New Zealand lawyers in Canterbury-Westland branch.
19 August 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the first 3000 of about 5000 property owners whose houses were zoned red on 23 June will begin receiving government letters of offer for their properties over the next couple of days. “We set ourselves an ambitious goal of mid-August to get offers ... More about Red Zone letters of offer in the mail.
17 August 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The New Zealand Law Society’s Canterbury-Westland branch is advising all lawyers in the branch area that a number of documents prepared for the basis for the Crown purchase of insured residential red zone properties are now available. The documents can be downloaded from the New Zealand Law Society’s website here. ... More about Crown acquisition of insured residential Red Zone properties.
15 August 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Information released by the Department of Building and Housing's Weathertight Homes Resolution Service shows that there were 108 active claims covering 192 properties in the Canterbury- Westland branch area at 2 August 2011. Of these the majority were located in Christchurch with 94 (178 properties). There were also claims in ... More about Majority of region's leaky buildings in Christchurch .
3 August 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Christchurch Women's Legal Association is offering free membership for the 2011/2012 year. CWLA exists to promote collegiality between female legal practitioners. Every year CWLA holds two key functions: The Professional Women's Dinner – This function is open to all professional women and involves a sit down dinner and an ... More about Free Christchurch Women's Legal Association membership.
3 August 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Christchurch women lawyers are invited to attend the annual Professional Women’s Dinner. This year’s event is to be held at Hintons (three minutes from the Christchurch International Airport). There will be a cash bar with two-course-dinner and canapes provided. Captain Kalo Lalahi regimental medical officer for the 2nd/1st Royal New ... More about Professional women's dinner, Christchurch.
2 August 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The government has developed further details of its offer to buy the properties of insured Canterbury homeowners in the residential red zone including legal support. Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has had announced that the package includes a $3.83 million contribution to the legal costs of homeowners’ in the ... More about Govt to contribute to legal fees for red zone residents.
28 July 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Christchurch lawyer Abigail Foote has been appointed to the Gambling Commission. The Gambling Commission is an independent statutory decision-making body. It hears casino licensing applications and appeals on licensing and enforcement decisions made by the Secretary of Internal Affairs in relation to gaming machines and other non-casino gambling activities. The ... More about Christchurch lawyer appointed to the Gambling Commission.
26 July 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
It is still possible to register for the Australia-New Zealand Climate Change and Business conference in Wellington. The conference will be held at the Wellington Convention Centre 1-2 August 2011. The seventh annual conference will focus on best practice business responses to international and domestic policy developments. These will include ... More about Climate change and business conference.
26 July 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The snow has not got in the way of the Christchurch Court Report special going ahead. The Court Report is a current affairs programme focused entirely on the laws that keep New Zealand running. It looks at the cases that should be making news and precedents that are being set. ... More about Court Report to be filmed at Ngā Hau e Wha Marae.
26 July 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Ministry for the Environment is running workshops on the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. A public workshop will be held in Christchurch on 1 August from 1pm–330pm at the Lincoln Events Centre 1 Williams Street North. The Ministry has advised the workshops will be of particular interest to ... More about Workshop on National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.
21 July 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The regular weekly earthquake recovery update media conference will be available online tomorrow. Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority chief executive Roger Sutton will join a representative from the Earthquake Commission to discuss the latest progress at 11am tomorrow. Footage of the media conference will ... More about Canterbury up-date before noon tomorrow.
21 July 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Department of Building and Housing has issued an interim solution to the lack of grade 500E reinforcing mesh fabric in the country. Changes to the B1 Compliance Document for the Canterbury earthquake region require that concrete slabs-on-ground constructed in accordance with NZS3604:1999 on good ground be reinforced with a ... More about Satisfactory alternative solution: Equivalent Capacity Mesh.
21 July 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Canterbury experienced the biggest annual growth in skilled vacancies (33.4%) due to the reconstruction activity following the recent earthquakes in that region. Most regions experienced growth in advertised skilled vacancies in the month of June 2011. Growth was strongest in the South Island (up 12.0%) - except Canterbury and the ... More about 33.4% annual increase in skilled job vacancies.
8 July 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The third annual Mental Health Law Conference will take place in the five main centres in August. This conference is intended to be a forum for inter-disciplinary discussion of key legal issues facing lawyers clinicians and consumers working in mental health with a view to continuing to improve the way ... More about Mental Health Law conference set for August.
6 July 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Information released by the Department of Building and Housing's Weathertight Homes Resolution Service shows there are 189 active claims in Canterbury at 31 June 2011. The majority of these claims (176) come under the Christchurch City council umbrella. With six in Selwyn; four in the Waimakariri; two in Hurunui District ... More about Nearly 200 active leaky building claims in Canterbury.
5 July 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
In an open letter to practitioners the Chief High Court Judge Justice Helen Winkelmann has provided information on recovery plans for the Christchurch High Court. Justice Winkelmann says the plans were discussed at a meeting in Christchurch on 17 June which was attended by all Christchurch High Court judges senior ... More about Chief High Court Judge gives update on Christchurch High Court recovery.
30 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Establishment of a Public Defence Service office in Christchurch will occur in 2012 "if circumstances permit" the Acting Deputy Secretary of Legal Services and Treaty Stuart White has advised. In a letter to New Zealand Law Society President Jonathan Temm about PDS expansion plans Mr White says new PDS offices ... More about Christchurch PDS office establishment plan unclear.
29 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The aftermath of the 13 June earthquake is not devastating say Law Society librarians. More than two weeks after the 5.6 and 6.3 magnitude after shocks hit the city Law Society staff have finally been allowed in to the library to assess the harm for the first time. Library manager ... More about Latest law library earthquake damage assessed.
28 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Buddle Findlay and the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry Psychology and Law (ANZAPPL) have announced that the third annual Mental Health Law conference will be held in Christchurch. The conference will be held at Commodore Airport Hotel on 19 August 2011. It is intended to be a forum ... More about Mental Health Law conference to be held in Christchurch.
27 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Ministry of Justice is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons who would like to be considered for appointment as Visiting Justices in the Canterbury region. Under section 19(2) of the Corrections Act 2004 the Governor-General may on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice appoint any Justice ... More about Expressions of interest sought for three Canterbury Visiting Justice positions.
23 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the announcement of zones of land damage in greater Christchurch is the most up-to-date information that can be provided. "The government will continue to provide the public with timely and accurate information on the state of the land and what it means for ... More about Brownlee provides details of red, orange, green and white zones.
23 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Prime Minister John Key has announced the next step in the government's ongoing work to give people of greater Christchurch a clearer picture of what their future holds following a series of major earthquakes and aftershocks in the region. Mr Key and Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee have released ... More about Government releases map of no-build areas.
15 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
A seminar on contemporary issues and techniques concerning arbitration is planned for Christchurch on 27 September. Arbitration is an increasingly popular option used by parties to settle disputes and is used by clients to give a settlement framework. This NZLS CLE Ltd seminar is recognition of the increasing popularity of ... More about Arbitration seminar planned for Christchurch in September.
15 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Canterbury-Westland lawyers are invited to attend a NZLS CLE Ltd webinar on asset planning - the impact of the Ministry of Social Development's means assessment. Live to your computer on 21 July the seminar delivered via the internet will address questions surrounding what the Ministry of Social Development takes into ... More about Asset planning webinars.
15 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
NZLS CLE Ltd is providing lawyers with the opportunity to learn more about the Unit Titles Act 2010. This heralds a significant change in the property market and along with the explosion of unit title developments a significant numbers of residents come under the ambit of this Act. They along ... More about Unit Titles Act seminars.
15 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The NZLS CLE Ltd are hosting a series of seminars and video-conferences on Evidence for Family Lawyers at the end of this month. The Family Court has become riddled with hearsay opinion propensity and irrelevant evidence leading to unnecessary delays expense frustration and irritation on the part of other counsel ... More about Seminars on evidence for family lawyers.
14 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Which forum will produce the best result for your client? When does the 10-year limitation start? How do you deal with the technical evidence? These questions and many more will be answered at NZLS CLE Ltd seminars and live video-conferences presented by Tim Rainey and Dan Parker in the Canterbury ... More about Leaky buildings seminars in Canterbury.
14 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Earthquake Commission and the Insurance Council say they have agreed to ask the High Court to make a ruling on complex questions of coverage arising from the two major Canterbury earthquakes and their aftershocks. A statement from the two bodies says they have been "working hard together" on the ... More about Insurance coverage issue heads to High Court.
14 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Due to yesterday's earthquakes the NZICA and NZLS Earthquake Recovery Seminar which was scheduled for the afternoon of Tuesday 14 June has been postponed. NZICA advises that it will contact all people who had registered for the seminar as soon as it has had a chance to assess the safety ... More about Earthquake Recovery Seminar postponed.
13 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Chief High Court Judge Justice Winkelmann has issued a notice ordering that the Christchurch High Court and its registries are shut for the remainder of 13 June and for 14 June. "Because of today's earthquakes it is necessary to temporarily shut the Court to allow a check of buildings ... More about Christchurch High Court closed after 13 June earthquakes.
10 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act will be used to modify provisions in the Local Government Act 2002 and the Energy Companies Act 1992 changing Christchurch City Council's annual planning and accountability responsibilities. Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the primary goal of this order in council will be to ... More about Christchurch City Council’s responsibilities will change.
1 June 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Courts Minister Georgina te Heuheu says she is very pleased with the way the Christchurch District Court criminal list hearings at Ngā Hau e Whā marae in Bromley are operating. The Minister visited Christchurch today to view some of the justice services and to give her thanks to Ministry of ... More about Christchurch courts operation pleases Minister.
24 May 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Information released in the New Zealand Council of Legal Education's annual report shows that enrolments for the Christchurch Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS) Professional Legal Studies Course rose in 2010 against the nationial trend. In 2010 there were 80 enrolments at Christchurch which was 21% of the New Zealand ... More about Christchurch IPLS enrolments show rise in 2010.
20 May 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson has announced the appointment of David Ruth of Christchurch as a District Court Judges. Judge Ruth was admitted to the bar in 1974. He was a partner in the Christchurch firm of Brockett James for ten years before becoming an associate and then partner in Layburn Hodgins ... More about Christchurch lawyer appointed District Court Judge.
19 May 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
The new Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) will receive $25.5 million of funding over two years Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says. “This funding is purely to set up the new authority. The Government will also spend about $8.8 billion over the next few years to help Canterbury rebuild through ... More about Funding of $25.5 million allocated for CERA.
19 May 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Changes are being made to Building Code documents to increase the seismic hazard factor for Canterbury and to require stronger foundations for buildings. Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the Department of Building and Housing has decided to increase the seismic hazard factor for the design of all buildings ... More about Building Code document changes will alter Canterbury requirements.
9 May 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Name branch employment law practitioners have an opportunity to hear from the Chief Employment Court Judge during a special NZLS CLE Ltd webinar on 3 June 2011. “Raising Personal Grievances and Challenges – getting it right” will be held at 1:00pm. The 1-hour webinar will link all registered participants to ... More about Webinar gives key information on raising and challenging personal grievances.
9 May 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Recent legislative developments have meant the law relating to immigration has changed markedly. This has been recognised with a seminar organised by NZLS CLE Ltd which will be held in Christchurch on 28 June 2011. "Developments in Immigration Law" will be held at Peppers Clearwater from 1:00 to 5:00pm. The ... More about Immigration Law developments focus of Christchurch seminar.
4 May 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Information collected by the New Zealand Law Society shows that Rangiora and Kaiapoi have the highest number of lawyers per 1 000 inhabitants in the Canterbury-Westland branch. With 2.7 lawyers per 1 000 people Rangiora and Kaiapoi are ahead of the New Zealand average. At 1 April 2011 the 11 ... More about Rangiora leading branch location for lawyers per head.
4 May 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Information collected by the New Zealand Law Society shows that 1 160 lawyers held practising certificates in the Canterbury-Westland branch area at 1 April 2011. This was 10.0% of all practising certificates on issue at the time (including 341 lawyers based overseas). Details of practising certificates on issue in the ... More about Canterbury-Westland branch has 10% of New Zealand lawyers.
26 April 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
A seminar explaining the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) and aimed at professionals with clients who own forestry land will be held in 5 locations in the Canterbury-Westland branch during May. “Emission Trading Scheme Forestry” has been organised by the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. The seminar aims to provide ... More about ETS Forestry seminar to be held in 5 branch locations.
15 April 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
While the new Legal Services Act comes into force on 1 July 2011 changes announced by the government on 13 April have added further complexity to the knowledge legal aid providers need of the new system. A NZLS CLE Ltd seminar “Changes to Legal Aid 2011” is being held at ... More about Legal Services Act changes update essential for all legal aid providers.
8 April 2011
By Canterbury-Westland Branch
Branch lawyers will be able to participate in a special NZLS CLE Ltd webinar which looks at the impact of the new zero-rating regime for business-to-business land transaction. The new regime has applied from 1 April 2011 and significantly alters the way GST is accounted for how assets are sold ... More about Webinar backgrounds GST changes for land transactions .
