Employment Law – recent Hobbit amendment

Following the news that Warner Bros. Studios were considering pulling the Hobbit movie from production in New Zealand over fears about industrial action, the Government announced a new amendment to the Employment Relations Act 2000.

Alongside granting the filmmakers a $13 million marketing subsidy and $20 million dollar tax break, the government has amended laws around the distinction between independent contractors and employees.

GST Increase and Your Business

From 1 October 2010, the National Government increased GST (Goods and Services Tax) in New Zealand from 12.5% to 15% on all products.

By now, most businesses should have implemented the change and need to ensure all processes account for the new GST.