Questions for lawyers Found 360

An employee in our sales team signed a large supply agreement on behalf of the company without approval, and the other party now says we are bound. We had a rule that only directors could sign contracts above a certain value. Is the company stuck with it?

My partner has left and wants to sell our home quickly, but I have the children living with me and I cannot afford to move. Can I stay in the house, and can my ex force a sale? I would appreciate some clarity on what the law actually requires here.

My small company has fallen behind on paying PAYE deductions for my employees, and Inland Revenue has sent letters threatening recovery action. As the sole director, could I be personally liable for the company’s tax debt?

While refuelling my boat at a wharf, some diesel spilled into the water and a harbour worker said I could be fined. It was a small amount and I tried to clean it up. Is this a serious matter legally? I have never dealt with anything like this before and would like to understand my options clearly.

I applied for a residence visa, and Immigration New Zealand declined my application because I did not meet the acceptable standard of health. I have managed my condition well for years, and I work full-time. Is there any way to overcome this?

I run a small dairy farm and I am confused about what rules apply to effluent, stock access to streams and taking water for irrigation. Some of the requirements seem to keep changing. Where do I find the correct obligations?

I bought a second-hand car from a yard and the automatic gearbox started slipping about three weeks later. The dealer says used cars are sold as seen and that I accepted the risk when I signed. Is that true, or do I have rights because it came from a dealer?

We own a large residential section and are considering subdividing it into two titles to build a second house or sell part of the land. We do not know where to start or how long the process typically takes. What approvals do we need?

We are a subcontractor working for a company that won a large council contract, and they are delaying our payments. Does the fact that this is a public contract give us any additional protection? I would like to know what steps I should take next to protect myself.

I came to New Zealand on a work visa tied to one employer, and I am now being underpaid and told to work extra hours without pay. I am afraid that if I complain I will lose my visa and have to leave. Can I change employer, and are there protections for migrants?