r/LegalAdviceNZ

Im in education. My colleague is also obviously. Colleague is a bit of a nutter and started putting food into brown bags at supermarket and mislabelling them to save money. He has now been trespassed and formal warning by police.

The police were VERY pressuring in the room. He had a recording to prove it. No details as to how this decision will affect him professionally. Its this or summons to court charge is all they said. Said they'd have a list of lawyers to call. They simply went out and came back with a phone and a guy on the other end. No list for him to choose from. They told him they have more evidence and that he should sign its the best option. He was offered the restoration route through the iwi. He was not told how that helps his situation but he said small town he will know someone in it so they offered formal warning instead.

How done is he? Education providers do full police vets. This will show up for any jobs. He won't get hired he thinks.

Yes he knows he messed up. Its his first ever offense dont need to say otherwise. He gets it. Hes in his 40s too.

Hi team,

One of the tenants in the property reckon that they need a firearms licence as part of a university training (I'm guessing this is some police course?)- as part of this they must demonstrate that any firearm can be stored safely and in full compliance with NZ regulations and requirements by the provider.

That's all well and good.

What would this mean for me as a landlord? I'm guessing we'll need to get a locker installed somewhere but I'd rather this not be damaging the house in any way.

Any advice is welcome for this situation- what would you do?

This evening I opened my door to the cops informing me they had a search warrant and that my flatmate had been arrested. They seized their phone and laptop. I was not informed by the police for why they was arrested and they arrived home just before the police left so they were given the search warrant. They are clearly distressed about the ordeal, but I would like to know the reason behind why this happened. Is this something I can call the police about? Does the fact that the tech was seized lean towards something in particular?

Long story short, I have a long notice period. Due to personal circumstances (not health related), I have asked my employer to shorten it and have offered overtime and other suggestions to mitigate any impact in good faith.

HR has not responded yet to me (I have followed up multiple times) so I assume it is a no. What would the repercussions be if I did not work my entire notice period? I am still giving over 4 weeks notice. I'm not in a very specialised role either.

I see a couple recent posts similar to my situation, but wanting more personal advice please.

It as the title states. He's got a email stating that he owes certain amount from Baycorp from 1998. Problem is he was born in 2000. So what? How can he owe money when he didn't even exist?

Confusing story, but my great uncle (grandmother’s brother) passed away. We are American, but he was living in New Zealand and was a citizen there. He had a son in New Zealand that was adopted out. He did not know of this son until a couple of years ago. They remained close until the end. It’s a sad story. It sounds like his dad would have raised him, had he known he had a child.

My uncle did not have a will. He was wealthy and had a home. A letter was sent to my grandma and her siblings, informing them that they are inheriting everything. Shouldn’t his biological son be the one to inherit everything?

We tried to get in touch with the estate attorney to inform her of his son. She has not responded at all. His son said he had to submit a birth certificate to someone. But from what he has been told by a lawyer, he can only inherit if the siblings approve of it.

I have a strong case to get an exit package as I leave and go through mediation, but most lawyers want the "no win no fee" structure so they get a 1/3 of the settlement money instead.

Is anything I need to look for particularly in a lawyer? Some of the comments say that lawyers will be less motivated to take these cases.

Approx 3 years ago I injured my neck at work.

Not long after I started having dizzy spells and issues with my balance. Went to the ED and I got diagnosed with a concussion.

My workplace denied the acc claim while I was off work recovering, claiming I never did an accident report - yet I didn’t even know there was one. I never got better and things just kept getting worse leading to me having to resign.

I rapidly became bedridden with dizziness and over time started getting new symptoms. It created a lot of anxiety and worry.

I began having sensory problems, chest pain, fatigue, nerve pain and more. I was told they thought it was chronic fatigue syndrome.

I visited the ED countless times and everytime I was cleared and discharged and sometimes labelled as somatic.

My GP at the time was horrible, he just threw pills at me and sent me to random specialists like pain management and gastroenterology (since I have celiac disease). Neurology kept declining me due to the CFS diagnosis and ED presentations.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, I woke up with searing neck and face pain and dizziness that wouldn’t go away. I was having trouble holding onto stuff and it wasn’t normal. Again ED did nothing.

I’ve been unable to sit up properly for months at this point and have been relying on meals on wheels etc.

My old GP said “it’s a bad flare, not serious” but I know my own body.

I decided ED was no use so I went to a new GP who did some neurological exams on me, and found upper motor neuron dysfunction etc.

He immediately referred me to neurology who again declined to see me, despite having an abnormal nerve study recently.

He then said as this happened at work ACC should help so he booked in an urgent appointment with a private neurosurgeon.

After seeing the surgeon and doing specific tests they suspect I have severe myelopathy of the upper cervical spine and that it’s a serious condition and I should have seen him years ago.

Now I’m finding out because my original ED presentation says “concussion” the MRI that was ordered urgently won’t be covered.

Has anyone dealt with similar?

The surgeon told me that my condition will continue to degrade when asked if it can kill me, he said he can’t tell me without an mri, only that it’s very serious and surgery, if possible at this point is the only option.

I’m due to see GP next week however neurology have declined me continuously in the public system and I’m really my wits end.

Even writing this post is a nightmare and I don’t know how much more things are going to progress.

I just need advice on dealing with ACC or even the public system. I’m really feeling lost and broken, I have no support or family here and I’m rotting in my bed from disability

Hi everyone, I am looking for some advice on a property issue in Wellington, New Zealand.

A tree located on a private road next to my property recently fell onto the overhead power line connected to the mains box outside my house. As a result we’ve been without power for 2 days.

We’ve called our power provider who has given us a hefty bill to replace the mains box.

Initially we called the council regarding it, but they informed us it is a private road and they are not liable.

The tree likely fell due to the recent stormy weather, however this is the second tree to fall from

that road inflicting damage within a short amount of time.

I’m trying to understand:

Are we likely responsible for covering the full cost?

Or could liability sit with the owner(s) of the private road?

Does the fact this has happened more than once change anything?

Is this something better handled through insurance?

Please advise the best next steps

I'm writing on behalf of a friend (21F) who I'll call V.

V works at a fast food chain under a boss who owns the store she works at - I'll call the boss P (Male, ~50's). V has worked for P for a little over a year.

For some background, P is incredibly unprofessional and has groomed V into accepting a variety of extremely abusive practices. He does the 'usual' shitty fast food boss behaviours: he's a massive cheapskate and won't fix equipment to the detriment of staff safety, he calls people repeatedly on their days off until they give in to working, he rosters people on days/hours that they've explicitly stated they can't work, he makes employees work double-shifts (12+ hours) completely solo. He bribes his employees into working 10+ hours of overtime each week with the promise of promotion - then will 'promote' people to positions with made-up titles without giving them a pay increase. He's also a complete bigot. For example, P makes derogatory comments about V's race and size, and sends her messages about her colleagues that are homophobic and racist. P makes frequent sexual comments towards V and her female colleagues, many of whom are underage. V desperately wants to leave, but due to her circumstances she can't. P knows this and (i believe) knowingly exploits the fact that she and her colleagues are financially dependent on him.

That history brings me to this recent event - I'm sharing just what V told me. V recently became pregnant. She told this to a colleague, as they are close friends. Word spread around to another colleague, who ended up telling P that V is pregnant. P came into the store while V was working, with just one other employee present. P was drunk, and holding a can of an alcoholic drink. He approached V and yelled at her that she needs to get an abortion, and then threw the contents of the drink at her implying that'll 'fix the issue'. He continued to harass her until she said that she'll get an abortion. She hasn't - she wants the baby and her boss has no business sharing his opinion about what she does with her body - but still hasn't told P this. P believes she got the abortion - but soon enough he's going to find out that she's still pregnant, as she'll have to get maternity leave.

Is there any legal recourse for this? There was a witness, and V still has all the previous messages that indicate he is otherwise abusive. The incident will also be on CCTV (unless P has disabled this - wouldn't be surprised). She's too scared to do anything that'll jeopardise her income, but something needs to change, right?? Is there anything we can do? I've encouraged V to film/record every time he's around, and screenshot the messages - but what good is the evidence if we can't do anything?

I have a stormwater main through my backyard. The neighbour has a connection to it. They have a blockage on their connection and are asking us to cover a share of the costs. Do we have any legal obligation for this?

We don't yet know where exactly the blockage is, if that's relevant.

Edit: Additional context. The council has checked the main and there's no blockage. The blockage is in their connection.

I'm currently on parental leave and it's looking likely that my company will be restructuring on the very near future.

I know that I can't be disadvantaged during the process due to being on parental leave. What sort of accommodations am I able to ask for in terms of this though?

For example, I am not wanting to go into the office with my baby as he's so little and I'm exclusively breastfeeding so can't leave him with someone else for long. I assume asking for online meetings should be accommodated. But then on the other hand I'm guessing that they won't take the fact I'm waking up to a baby overnight into account if I need to interview to try get another role.

I was also wondering whether Keeping In Touch hours can be used for attending with announcements or meetings during the consultation process?

Thanks - obviously a bit anxious and also annoyed that my mat leave is being taken up with work worries!

Can an employer make you take your break at the end of your shift?

I often work a 5-hour shift. My boss says I have to take my break at the end of the shift - and that I have to stay there for the whole 30 minutes before clocking out (to show I took my break or something?) instead of leaving straight away.

This is ridiculous, but is it legal? Do I have to stay for my (unpaid!) break?

Hi all, seeking advice / information.

I’m on a full time contract with my company and in my contract it clearly states that I am entitled to a performance review after 12 months from signing date.

The 12 months has come and gone and despite me attempting to arrange the performance review it is now almost 3 months past that date.

To be clear I have asked for the review, it has even been scheduled and then cancelled (postponed I guess) due to the company director being busy.

When I finally get the review and (hopefully) pay increase, will I be within my rights to ask for my pay rise to be back dated to the 12 month mark?

It seems unfair that I should miss out on increased earnings because the company’s management can’t stick to a meeting date..

Thanks in advance

Under the new ERA 2025 amendment I can no longer raise a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal (or unjustified disadvantage relating to the dismissal) since I earn >$200,000 p.a.

I work in the aviation sector, have a specialist role which reduces the risk of getting “fired” and a 12 week notice period giving me time to find another job if dismissed.

After reading the Employment New Zealand website: https://www.employment.govt.nz/news-and-updates/employment-relations-act-changes-take-effect-today

Should I request my employer to keep previous dismissal protections or renegotiate other terms?

Apart from asking for more money, what else I could renegotiate?

Or should I just let sleeping dogs lie?

Hi there,

I would like to preface this with that I hope there wont be any negative/berating comments. My fiance and I live in Australia. I met him after he had moved here. He has two kids in NZ and moved to Australia after family suggestion as his ex was tormenting him/causing him to be suicidal. Will go below more in detail.

He moved to Australia in 2022. He has two kids (now aged 8 and 11) in NZ which he had when he was very young. When he first told me, I was sceptical as who would move away from his children. But after seeing all the court documents, talking to his family, and meeting the mother, I realised it was probably for the best. For context, she would take him to court for heinous accusations that the court immediately threw out. This happened after the birth of his first child. He never got to be a dad and was never allowed to talk to the kids. They got back together afterwards where she said she would change (he comes from a broken family and did not want to be like his own father). They had their second child and the cycle continued. My fiance got into a very depressive state and tried to end his life. After this, his family thought it would be best for him to move away and try to get away from the manipulation. He wasn't allowed to see the kids (despite court orders of having them every second weekend and holidays/celebrations) so thought making more money in Australia and being able to send them more money would be better.

He was silly for not updating the court order once he landed here but I would also feel quite overwhelmed at the life change. He was able to video chat with them on the weekends to stay in contact.

We met in 2023, and he was still having contact via video chat. We had a holiday in NZ in 2025 where I met the kids and we bonded instantly. Seeing him with the kids was so beautiful. He is an incredibly loving father. The kids helped him propose to me, and right afterwards, they ran up to me and asked me to be their mom.

When we dropped the kids off to their moms and went back to Australia, within 24 hours, their mother went insane on us. She learned we got engaged. We were sent abusive messages, she threatened to not allow him to talk to them until they were 18 (despite even saying "I know they want to talk to you and miss you but I dont want them to"). It has now been over a year since we have even talked to them. The mother was dating (and had two more kids) with a nice man, who would help us try to stay in touch previously when she was like this. We and my fiances family sent gifts which started to ultimately be returned without being opened. However they have now broken up and she is in a relationship with someone else. We now do not know where they live to get in touch with them. We found out that she went and took my fiance off from paying child support. We arent sure why. I suspect its probably to eliminate being obliged for him to have a reason to talk, or to tell people he doesnt pay. Nevertheless we have made an account for them and put money in, so when they turn 18, we can give it to them. We still want the best for the kids.

Every week my fiance will message asking to talk to the kids. This gets ignored. Theres no avenue of communication and we have no idea if they are even okay.

We tried getting in touch with the lawyers who helped with the initial court order. They said they cannot help as they are busy.

Is there anything we can do? Do we go through lawyers in NZ or can this be done in Australia? We both miss the kids incredibly. Our wedding is in 2 weeks and we are devastated they arent there. I have no experience with this type of stuff (and have never met someone like her before so I am just confused with everything).

Again, please no belittling comments. I dont think I can handle it.

NZ banks now have a Depositor Compensation Scheme, which covers each eligible customer up to $100,000 if the deposit taker goes out of business. What happens with joint accounts? E.g. Mr and Mrs Smith have a joint account (Term Deposit) with $200,000. Are the $200,000 entirely covered, or just $100,000? What do you think?

Hi there, my partner has received a contract outlining a new role, which is fairly senior, but there are some concerning clauses, which from reading in this forum may blur the lines. Can I please have some input?

5.6. The Employer also reserves the right to suspend, reduce, change or entirely remove

the incentive at its sole discretion for reasons such as:

5.6.1. Where the incentive relates in whole or in part to a client engagement:

5.6.2. If the client has not paid for the engagement; or

5.6.3. The client is not satisfied with Employee’s work completed in the

engagement; or

5.6.4. The quality of the work produced for the engagement is not acceptable to

the Employer; or

5.6.5. Low efficiency of the engagement and in particular the time taken to deliver

the quality output is considered to be unsatisfactory in the reasonable judgement

of the employer.

5.6.6. The Employee’s personal conduct in any aspect of their role and upholding

the Employer’s standards at all times has been unsatisfactory.

5.6.7 Where there is a significant downturn in profitability in the Employer’s

business, including due to force majeure events.

Some of these, such as unsatisfactory work we understand, but particularly I'm concerned about 5.6.2. where this appears the employee is punished for the employer not adequately recovering costs. Is this legal, or only so because it is in the contract