Frontline Law

13/04/2026

While the general rule at the Employment Relations Authority is that the losing side contributes to the winner's costs, it is meant to be a modest contribution rather than a full reimbursement. Whereas during early stages like mediation, you generally cover your own expenses unless you negotiate a fee contribution as part of your final settlement.

Read our latest blog post to learn how these rules apply and what you may be able to claim:

The allocation of legal costs in employment litigation is governed by the Employment Relations Act 2000 and the practices of the Employment Relations

08/04/2026

It's time for another Thank You Thursday, where we celebrate the incredible people and businesses who help Frontline Law do what we do!

This week, our Thank You Thursday goes out to Lisa Maxwell and her fantastic team at Maxwell Law Limited! We frequently exchange referrals with Maxwell Law, and we always know our clients are in the very best of hands when they need support in areas of law that we don't cover (and vice versa!).

Lisa and her team handle a wide variety of general law matters, from conveyancing and commercial matters to relationship property, trusts, wills, and Family Court proceedings.

Thank you, Lisa and the entire Maxwell Law team, for being such a trusted referral partner and for the dedicated, top-tier work you do!

30/03/2026

Having bail opposed by the Police can be a stressful experience, but it doesn't automatically mean you will remain in custody. Our latest article breaks down the legal thresholds for bail in New Zealand, why the prosecution might oppose your release, and how the right legal representation can help you navigate the process.

Read more at:

Being arrested and facing criminal charges is a stressful experience. If the Prosecution opposes your release on bail, it can understandably heighten your

27/03/2026

Did you know that under section 32(2) of the Summary Offences Act 1981, there is a specific legal defense for public urination in New Zealand? While the act makes it illegal, you can avoid a fine if you can prove to the court that you honestly, and on reasonable grounds, believed that no one was watching you at the time!

23/03/2026

The Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Act is introducing a new infringement regime, granting Police the authority to conduct random roadside saliva testing for qualifying substances. Failing a test or a subsequent Compulsory Impairment Test carries severe consequences, including significant fines and potential criminal charges.

Read our full breakdown at https://frontlinelaw.co.nz/blog/drug-driving/ and if you find yourself requiring legal representation to navigate these changes, contact us.

The Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Act 2025 (LTDDAA) came into force on 15 December 2025. The LTDDAA 2025 amended the Land Transport Act 1998 to

13/03/2026

Did you know that Section 15(2) of New Zealand's Marriage Act 1955 actually allows the High Court to grant permission for you to marry an in-law? While blood relative marriages are strictly banned, the court can waive the rule for relationships by "affinity" if you can prove neither party caused the end of the previous marriage!

12/03/2026

Are you looking for a dedicated desk and friendly office space? We have desks available in our Wellington office.

Reasonable use of all facilities included for no additional cost. We have a large conference room with video conferencing facilities, internet, printing and scanning, kitchen facilities, shower and bathroom.

You will be sharing the space with a small law firm and marketing firm.

From $990 (ex GST) per month. Get in touch at [email protected] or 048890007

09/03/2026

The Tenancy Tribunal provides legally binding resolutions for disputes like unpaid rent, property damage, and unlawful entry. While many cases are settled through informal mediation, unresolved issues proceed to a formal hearing where an Adjudicator makes a final decision based on evidence.

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The Tenancy Tribunal originated in New Zealand with the passing of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and is essentially an independent forum designed to

05/03/2026

Did you know that the Code of Ur-Nammu is the oldest surviving law code written during the Sumerian King Ur-Nammu's reign from 2,112 BCE to 2,095 BCE. It codified the laws of Ur-Nammu's kingdom on a clay tablet.

02/03/2026

New Zealand's employment law is changing significantly, with recent reforms introducing a new "gateway test" for contractors, expanding 90-day trials to all businesses, and setting a $200,000 salary threshold that limits personal grievances for high earners.

The rules also shift the focus of dismissals to substantive fairness, meaning an employer's procedural errors will no longer guarantee a financial payout if the employee's own serious misconduct contributed to the situation.

Because some of these changes take effect immediately and may even impact existing legal disputes, it is vital for both employers and employees to understand their new legal reality.

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The New Zealand employment landscape has reached a significant turning point with the passage of the Employment Relations Amendment Act. On 17 February 2026,

26/02/2026

Can you kill someone just by scaring them? According to Section 163 of New Zealand's Crimes Act 1961, the answer is generally no unless the victim is a child or already sick. The law states no one is liable for killing by "influence on the mind alone," except when deliberately frightening these specific vulnerable groups.