New Zealand continues to have relatively high rates of domestic violence compared with other OECD countries despite having comprehensive legislation aimed at protecting women, men and children from violence in the home. For instance, in 2007/2008 family violence accounted for approximately 39% of homicides, 42% of kidnappings and abductions, 44% of grievous assaults and 64%
Incidents of animal cruelty are increasingly reported by the media yet despite the abundance of offending there have been very few prosecutions in relation to animal cruelty, and only a 3% imprisonment rate. The Animal Welfare Amendment Bill has been introduced to send a clear message to the public that offending of this nature will
While companies provide limited liability and are considered a separate legal entity, directors can become personally liable if they breach their duties. These duties have become increasingly important in light of the recent financial downturn. When there is financial uncertainty, directors are more likely to make decisions for which they could be held liable. This
What is Reasonable Access to Land? The Court of Appeal recently considered this issue in the case of Murray and Tuohy v BC Group (2003) Limited and Ors [2010] NZCA 163. The appellants and their neighbours owned adjoining properties in the Wellington hillside suburb of Ngaio. The properties were created by a subdivision in 1963.
