Questions for lawyers Found 360

I lease a shop and cash flow has been tight, so I was a few weeks late paying rent. The landlord has now sent a notice saying that it may cancel the lease and take back the premises. Is that lawful? I have never dealt with anything like this before and would like to understand my options clearly.

A proposed quarry project near our home is being considered under the fast-track process, and residents have heard that we may not get a say. How does the fast-track consenting process work and can we still participate?

I started a new job on a 90-day trial period and, after a few weeks, was told that it was not working out and I am let go. There was no warning and no reason given. Can I do anything about it? I have never dealt with anything like this before and would like to understand my options clearly.

I want to move to a competitor, but my contract has a clause preventing me from working in the same industry for twelve months anywhere in the country. Is such a clause enforceable, and what should I do before I move?

I signed up for a free one-week trial of an app and entered my card details. A month later I noticed monthly charges. I never saw clear wording about auto-renewal and cancelling seems buried in menus. Can I get a refund, and is this practice allowed?

I bought a mid-range smartphone from a chain retailer and it stopped charging around eight months later. The shop told me to contact the manufacturer and said their responsibility ended at the counter. The phone was not dropped or wet. Is the retailer really off the hook, or can I insist on a fix or refund from them?

A spill from our business site went into a stormwater drain and reached a nearby stream. We cleaned it up, but the council has started an investigation. How serious is this, and what penalties are possible?

We received a statutory demand for a debt we believe is disputed, and it says we have a short time to pay or face liquidation. I have never dealt with one before and I am panicking. What does a statutory demand mean and what can we do?

A government tender I am reading mentions broader outcomes and asks me to describe my approach to employment, Māori business participation and environmental impact. Is this compulsory and how will it affect my bid?

I have pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary and I am to be sentenced next month. My lawyer mentioned pre-sentence reports and something about a discount. What can I do beforehand to get the best result?