Rainey Collins Lawyers

Ensure a guarantee is in writing

Monday, 16 January, 2012 | Andrew Greig

In several recent cases businesses that thought they were protected by a guarantee have missed out because the guarantee was not properly completed.  When the debtor failed to pay, these businesses tried to go after the guarantor only to discover that the guarantor had not actually signed the guarantee.

It is common practice, especially if a company is entering into a contract, for an individual, possibly a director or… Continue reading

Contracts: how to ensure that your agreement can be enforced

Wednesday, 7 December, 2011 | Jonathon Griffith

A contract is an agreement between two or more parties that is legally enforceable.  For any agreement to be legally enforceable it must satisfy five key elements.  Those elements are: offer, acceptance, consideration, intention, and certainty. 

Getting these right can be the difference between getting paid for the work you do and not. In a recent case a terms of trade allowed for all of the expected terms, including… Continue reading

How buying a franchise can help you get a New Zealand residence visa …

Wednesday, 2 November, 2011 | Olivia Porter

David and Po left their native China in 2000, they were in their mid 50s and had enough capital to move and start a new life. They decided to move to New Zealand where their son was attending University.

However, David and Po were unfamiliar with New Zealand culture and found it hard to find a job. Instead, they thought that it would be better to start their own… Continue reading

Conflicts of interest on boards – are they as serious as they sound?

Wednesday, 2 November, 2011 | Ronette Druskovich

Unfortunately, conflicts on Boards arise all the time, but they don’t have to be a big issue – so long as you know how to deal with them. In this article we provide some guidance on how to approach conflicts on Boards.

Let’s take Sarah – she’s the Wellington Representative of a national organisation set up to assist small business owners around New Zealand. Sarah runs a small business… Continue reading

Thinking of buying a business? Make sure you know what to look for and how to get the most out of your business purchase … upcoming FREE seminar

Wednesday, 2 November, 2011 | Ronette Druskovich

Scott and Marie have been thinking about buying a business for a while.  The idea of being the boss, having control over their work, and the possibility of financial gain has finally prompted them to start seriously looking into what kind of business is right for them to buy.  Unfortunately, Scott and Marie have so many questions and don’t know where to start!

Before you rush into a major… Continue reading

Thinking of setting up a business in New Zealand?

Tuesday, 1 November, 2011 | Jo-Ella Sarich

It is crucial to get advice when setting up a new business.  This is even more important when you are a potential migrant looking to establish a business in New Zealand.

A recent case highlighted in the New Zealand media clearly shows what happens when you get it wrong.  A couple had invested a substantial amount of time and money getting their New Zealand business up and running.  However… Continue reading

Buying a business? 5 key tips you need to know …

Tuesday, 1 November, 2011 | Ronette Druskovich

Buying an already established business is a significant step and can be daunting. In this article we provide some tips on the steps you should take before you sign on the dotted line.

1. Know what you are buying

The value of a business often depends on the assets that are being purchased.  So, make sure you know what the assets of the business are and how much… Continue reading

What’s in a business name? The importance of domain names …

Tuesday, 1 November, 2011 | Olivia Porter

Sam and Michael set up their new business, registered the company and designed their logo.  During the start-up phase they used a generic Gmail address to receive all of their business-related emails.

The business was doing well in their area, which proved to them  that their business model was working.  They decided to invest in a website, have a more professional profile, specific email and contact addresses, to move… Continue reading

Mortgagor’s beware – you can run from a shortfall but you can’t hide.

Wednesday, 14 September, 2011 | Alan Knowsley

Rose and John bought their first home together with the help of a mortgage from the bank.  They both worked at a shop in town.  However the shop’s business decreased alarmingly during the recession and it was forced to close.

Rose and John both struggled to find new jobs and with only their savings to live on they could no longer meet their mortgage repayments.  Unfortunately, they were served… Continue reading

Starting a company? Some matters to consider first …

Wednesday, 31 August, 2011 | Olivia Porter

If you’re thinking of starting a company, it pays to think about a few things in advance so that you don’t have to spend time and money fixing or changing things later on.

1. Company Name

The first step to incorporate a company is to reserve a company name.  You can check whether the proposed name of your company is available on the Companies Office website.

It is… Continue reading

Tuesday, 31 January, 2012

TV 1 Breakfast Show

Thursday, 26 January, 2012

Recent promotions announced at Rainey Collins Lawyers