Welcome to Wotton + Kearney’s NZ Insurance Market Trends Update, our biannual snapshot of legal trends and developments impacting claims managers, underwriters, brokers and corporates operating in the New Zealand market. In this edition, we look at the impact of recent matters in the areas of D&O claims, representative actions and EPL. We provide updates […]
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is due to publish its final report on 26 February 2021. Its work, combined with the devastating impact of COVID-19, make it clear that significant change is on the way for the aged care sector. In this article, Chris Spain along with Cain Jackson and Charles […]
Wotton + Kearney is pleased to provide our 2021 Insurance Predictions Report, looking at the major trends and issues we expect will remain in the spotlight for the insurance industry in our region this year. It’s no surprise that this report addresses some of the horizon issues that we expect to face in the wake […]
We’re excited to share an article about this important case that’s been written by our new partner Sian Gilbert, an Accredited Specialist in Employment and Industrial Relations. With the Assign Blue case, the concept of the capacity to “influence and control” a workplace has been explored for the first time under the work, health and […]
Wotton + Kearney has appointed two new partners, Chantal van Grieken, a highly regarded general liability practitioner, and Sian Gilbert, an EPL Accredited Specialist. Chantal and Sian, who were formerly with HWL Ebsworth, will join the firm on 1 February 2021. Chantal is known for her expertise in the areas of public liability, workers actions, […]
2020 has reminded us all how quickly our world can be turned upside down. As the market considers how best to prepare for a resilient future, scenario planning is a key tool that can begin to provide the answers. Wotton + Kearney has joined with our Legalign Global alliance partners to produce the Critical Uncertainties […]
In an otherwise no costs jurisdiction, the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission recently ordered costs against former Ipswich City Councillors who were seeking reinstatement and remuneration. Wotton + Kearney acted for the Ipswich City Council in successfully defending the proceedings and obtaining the costs orders. In this article, Raisa Conchin and Manja Lalovic explain why this […]
In the post Royal Commission world, regulator activity in Australia has reached new levels. Increased public scrutiny and greater government funding has meant that regulators are encouraged to take significant amounts of investigation and enforcement action against offending businesses. While there has been a brief hiatus due to the impact of COVID-19, various regulators have […]
The Full Federal Court has confirmed its strong stance against sexual harassment in the workplace by appropriately reflecting society’s intolerance to such conduct. In this decision, the Court upheld the trial judge’s decision to award general damages of $120,000 and aggravated damages of $50,000. In this article, W+K’s Raisa Conchin and Manja Lalovic examine this […]
Triangular employment relationships have always been legal in New Zealand but have been criticised for being easily abused and for leaving workers without legal remedies. Addressing these concerns, The Employment Relations (Triangular) Amendment Act 2019 comes into effect on 27 June 2020. It updates the Employment Relations Act 2000 to provide more robust protections for […]
