For any office function you need to consider the hazards and then eliminate, isolate or minimise them. Be polite but firm to avoid dangerous hi-jinks.  Avoid over consumption of alcohol and take steps to avoid staff driving home over the limit.  You can be responsible for civil and criminal actions if you fail to keep employees and guests safe.  You can also be liable for sexual or other harassment that occurs.

If you do get a complaint.  Don’t fob it off but investigate it properly.

Further information is available in the Employment Section of our Articles.

Jo-Ella Sarich has been appointed Associate

Jo-Ella is an Associate in the Litigation Team practicing in the Treaty of Waitangi field, dealing with both claims before the Waitangi Tribunal and Direct Negotiations with the Crown. She also specialises in immigration applications and appeals against decisions by immigration officers.

Jo-Ella’s extensive experience with all aspects in the Treaty field allows her to provide clear and understandable goals and strategy to clients involved in this particularly challenging area of the law.

Debbie Dunbar has been appointed Associate

Debbie is an Associate in the Litigation Team with a focus on Family and Employment Law.

Debbie’s experience and expertise developed over many years means that she can achieve the best possible outcomes for clients and keep them advised and up to date in clear and simple terms.

Eve Rongo has been appointed Senior Solicitor

Eve is a Senior Solicitor in the Litigation team, working in all aspects of Waitangi Tribunal claims and litigation.

Eve has recently joined the team from the central North Island and her experience in Waitangi Tribunal claims and Maori legal issues are a benefit to the firms clients. In addition to appearing before the Waitangi Tribunal, Eve also has experience in the Environment Protection Authority and tax experience, having worked as an adjudicator at the Office of the Chief Tax Counsel.

Rodney Peach, 52, originally from South Africa, admitted one charge of bigamy and one of knowing that a document including details of marriage was forged, when he appeared in Manukau District Court on Tuesday, Fairfax Media reported.

Peach was accused of marrying Trisha Faiainoa while still married to Tania Peach, his wife of 28 years and who now lives in Australia.

The couple have two children and are legally separated.

According to Rainey Collins Lawyers bigamy is a punishable crime because it is thought to represent a threat to public morality and to compromise the institution of marriage.

The second marriage is considered the crime, no matter where in the world it takes place.

The only defence is if the first spouse has been absent for seven years, and is believed to be dead.

The maximum term of imprisonment is seven years if there is an attempt to protect an innocent party to a bigamist marriage.

Peach will be sentenced on February 10.

Claire works in the Business & Personal Legal Services Team, focusing mainly on assisting clients with opportunities and challenges in Property, Trusts, Asset Protection, and Wills and Estates.

Experienced in all areas of the sale and purchase process of both residential and commercial property, Claire also advises Bodies Corporate regarding unit title issues.

James had been a Board member since 2007 and looks forward to working closely with the newly appointed Director, Christian Penny.

Toi Whakaari is New Zealand’s largest training provider for professionals in the screen and performing arts and has been doing so for more than 40 years.  It has become a name for excellence for training in acting, technology, directing, design, management and costume construction.

How will the current legal aid changes affect my Treaty negotiations claim?

From 1 July 2011 legal aid funding that has been available for settlement negotiations was transferred to the Office of Treaty Settlements for allocation as claimant funding. Consequently Miriama and her whanau (as claimants) must make an application for funding to the Office of Treaty Settlements.

For those who were already receiving legal aid funding at 1 July 2011 there will be a six month transitional period, where they will continue to receive legal aid.

Who is entitled to make an application to the Office of Treaty Settlements?

Under the new regime, the claimants must make an application to the Office of Treaty Settlements for funding. In addition, the claimants will be responsible for determining how funding is spent.

What about making a claim to the Waitangi Tribunal?

Claims progressing through the Waitangi Tribunal will not be affected by the changes, however legal aid will now be administered by the Ministry of Justice, rather than the Legal Services Agency.

Claimants can make an application for funding, stating their name and the details of their Treaty claim.  Of note, claimants may be asked if there is any other funding available.  Included on the application form will be the name of the lawyer who is representing the claim.  Your lawyer will fill in the parts of the application form about your case and about why legal aid should be granted. They will also submit your legal aid application on your behalf.

Instead the goal has been moved forward to 2016.

Our experienced Team can assist you and your group with preparing for and managing the negotiations process.