Gloriavale Children - Not Volunteers but Employees
The Employment Court was recently asked to consider a case brought by three former members of the Gloriavale community who were seeking a declaration that they were employees (and not unpaid volunteers) while they had been conducting work in the community. After assessing all facts of the scenario, the Court made the declaration that the former members were employees.
The New Incorporated Societies Act
In April 2022, the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 came into force, replacing the 114 year old Incorporated Societies Act 1908. The new Act is intended to modernise incorporated societies by setting out a framework of basic governance, legal and accounting obligations and to promote trust and confidence in societies. In particular, there is a focus on societies being run by, and being accountable to, their own members who are all working to achieve a stated purpose (and not for private gain).
Where there's a Will...
Recently, it’s been highlighted to me how important it is to have a Will and to make sure it is up to date. A Will deals with your property upon your death. Property includes real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, life insurance policies, shares, your Kiwisaver/superannuation account and your ‘stuff’ in general.
Border Re-Opening & Work to Residency Pathways
The Government has recently announced changes to New Zealand’s immigration settings which will result in New Zealand’s borders opening to the free flow of non-New Zealand citizens and residents for the first time since the borders were closed on the 19th of March 2020. The border re-openings are happening gradually over the first half of this year but they will be fully open to all international visitors by the 1st of August 2022.
Fair Pay Agreement Bill
The Fair Pay Agreement Bill recently passed its first reading in Parliament. This Bill, if enacted into law, may result in the biggest shake up to the employment sector since the Employment Contracts Act 1991.