Pro Experts

Artificial Intelligence – user beware Privacy and security are crucial

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative and revolutionary technologies in recent history. From its humble beginnings to its widespread applications today, AI has garnered significant attention for its potential benefits as well as the inherent threats it poses. Discussions and experiments in technology date back to 1946, when Alan Turing initiated the study of computer-based...

150 years of insurance events in Hawke’s Bay

As this July marks 150 years since the founding of Hastings, we thought it would be interesting to take a journey through some of significant events in the region during this time and see how insurance played a part in them. Has much changed since 1873 and what have we learnt? Fire Hastings first major fire occurred in Heretaunga Street...

Medium density housing Hawke’s Bay

Throughout the years central government have been gradually incorporating legislation into the planning framework that has directed local authorities to consider specific areas for housing developments and incorporating these into the rule frameworks of their district plans. A key piece of legislative framework is the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD). The NPS-UD was released in December 2020 and...

Talk of town heralds redevelopment of Napier CBD

The talk of the town locally is the recent Colliers sale of two iconic office buildings in the heart of central Napier, Dalton and Vautier Houses, heralding an era of extensive redevelopment in Napier CBD and presenting exciting leasing opportunities within the city. The landmark properties, recognised as the largest office block in the Hawke’s Bay region, were acquired by...

Pro Legal

Protecting Your Assets – Why Legal Advice Matters for ‘Pre-Nup’ Agreements

A recent decision in the Napier High Court, WL v AJ [2023] NZHC 703, is a timely reminder that seeking independent legal advice is crucial for a pre-nuptial agreement (pre- nup) to be valid and enforceable. The decision also demonstrates the consequences of not getting the right advice. Understanding the Case Let’s take a look at the case involving Mr...

Why is the business up for sale?

Invariably, the first question I get asked by the potential buyer of a business is, “Why are the owners selling?” That question is driven by a natural concern that there might be something wrong with the business, “If it’s such a good business, why do they want to sell?” I obtain a no-holds barred view of a business so I...

A closer look at Carbon

At times of market and economic uncertainty, combined with relatively low expected returns for many asset classes, we should consider more widely the assets we hold. It’s important to have a portfolio strategy, designed with discipline, embracing market opportunities while preparing for the unexpected. There are several components of a well-constructed portfolio, including a robust strategic asset allocation that’s consistent...

Risk register protects and creates opportunities

The start of 2023 has been a rough one. Cyclone Gabrielle and the subsequent flooding brought a degree of destruction not seen in the Hawke’s Bay for decades. If we have learnt anything over these last few years following a global pandemic, lockdowns and cost of living crisis, it is that as a group, Hawke’s Bay people and businesses are...

Cyclone Gabrielle & tenancies – know your rights

Article by Edward Bostock, Director and Kelly Henderson, Legal Executive One of the most significant impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle has been the damage and destruction to commercial and residential properties in Hawke’s Bay. Building officers are completing rapid building assessments on properties effected by the Cyclone. To date, there are 100 red stickered properties (meaning the property has been seriously...

People Planning for a Year that is not business as usual

It was anticipated as a year of positivity, business as usual and moving on, but 2023 so far has not been what Hawke’s Bay expected. From a people and business perspective, managing through a disaster creates additional issues to navigate. Resilient Organisations, a research and consultancy group, classify the stages of looking after staff in a major disaster into four...