COVID-19 vaccinations – FAQs for New Zealand employers

Until this week, there has been limited legal mandate requiring vaccination of New Zealand employees, other than border workers, via the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021. That changed on 11 October 2021 when the New Zealand Government announced an extended vaccination mandate to include high risk workers in the health and disability sector, […]

NSW Supreme Court provides guidance on the insolvency test

The NSW Supreme Court recently dismissed two cases brought by various lenders against officers and employees of the failed steel giant Arrium. W+K’s Dean Pinto and Stephen Morrissey look at the useful guidance the Bank of Communications decision provides for insurers on the application of the insolvency test in section 95A of the Corporations Act […]

New Conduct and Client Care Rules create compliance risks for NZ solicitors

The new Conduct and Client Care Rules are coming into force on 1 July 2021. They bring with them some significant changes that are likely to impact on solicitors’ negligence risks. In this article, W+K’s Rebecca Scott and Julia Whitehead provide a brief overview of the changes and look at some of the issues they […]

Emerging Talent Series 2020/2021

The insurance sector attracts and retains young professionals who are hungry for relevant, regular learning and education opportunities. To help further their careers, W+K has put together a multi-part Emerging Talent Series addressing both Property & Energy and General Liability claims issues.

Lacrosse appeal [largely] upholds initial landmark decision

Tanah Merah Vic Pty Ltd & Ors v Owners Corporation No 1 of PS613436T & Ors [2021] VSCA 72 The Victorian Court of Appeal handed down its much-anticipated judgment in the Lacrosse matter on 26 March, essentially upholding the trial judge’s findings in the landmark 2019 decision. At a headline level, the Court of Appeal: […]

The Life Squared Trust – Wellbeing Study of New Zealand Law Profession

Wotton Kearney is proud to support the New Zealand’s Law Society’s study of wellbeing and mental health of lawyers within New Zealand which aims to find reasons for the prevalence of mental health issues within the profession and help build psychological wellbeing and resilience. The study is commissioned by The Life Squared Trust, a mental […]

NZ Insurance Market Trends Update

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 on […]

2021 Insurance Predictions Report

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 of […]

Informed Insurance: Critical Uncertainties 2020/21

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 series […]

Changes to professional indemnity requirements for solicitors in New Zealand

The New Zealand Law Society is amending the minimum standards regarding professional indemnity insurance for lawyers in New Zealand. The changes, which will come into effect from 4 April 2021, are material and relate to coverage levels and disclosure requirements. Wotton Kearney’s Alison Cupples and Mathew Francis look at these obligations and the associated issues […]