Summary of updates: Introduction of the New 6 Point System: The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa’s eligibility point system has undergone significant changes. SMC has a known history for its complexities, inconsistency and delayed assessment timeframes. These updates aim to simplify the application process, streamline the assessment and intend to assist with the country’s […]
Oh, yes you do. When you start a business with your friends, the big dreams, and infectious midnight epiphanies are exciting. The future seems full of promise. And better still, you’re on the same page – you know each other well, and you trust each other implicitly. So why would you need a formal shareholder […]
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We are excited to announce the promotion of three Senior Associates to Partnership. Tim Marshall from Invercargill and Jenny Denley & Eugene Roud from Alexandra. Tim specialises in Property, Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Trusts, and Estate Planning and Administration. He also has a strong rural background, having been born and raised on a farm […]
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As an employer, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest immigration laws, especially with recent changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and mandatory accreditation obligations. Here are a few updates that may impact your employees and their visas: Automatic extension for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) accreditationIf you haven’t applied for your […]
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AWS Legal announced Donald McIntosh as the 2022 recipient of the inaugural Stephen Whiteland Memorial Scholarship, on Monday. Formed in honour of Stephen Whiteland, a beloved AWS Legal staff member and friend who sadly passed away in May 2021, the Stephen Whiteland Memorial Scholarship was awarded in collaboration with Steve’s family to recognise and support […]
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Allanah Cunningham (Left) has been promoted to Senior Associate, Robbie McKenzie (Middle) to Associate, and Brigitte Simpson (Right) to Senior Solicitor. “Allanah, Robbie, and Brigitte, under the guidance of the Partnership, have developed and continue to develop excellent legal skills in their specialty areas.” AWS Legal CEO Grant Yorkstone said. “It is a genuine pleasure […]
Yesterday’s announcement from the Minister for Immigration confirmed that the Skilled Migrant Resident Visa Category (SMC) will reopen next month. The Expression of Interest (EOI) pool selection has been on hold since the start of the pandemic in 2020. However, the EOI pool remained open for applicants to apply, leaving many EOI’s awaiting the recommencement […]
Read More… from Resident pathways are back but with a new visa on the horizon!
Background At a meeting held on 11 August 2022, the Queenstown Lakes District Council (Council) agreed to notify a proposed “Inclusionary Housing” plan change (Plan Change) via the First Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). The Plan Change essentially seeks to “tax” certain property development and subdivision activity by requiring a financial contribution […]
Read More… from Inclusionary Zoning “Tax” / The QLDC Affordable Housing Strategy (2022)
Jono Cole has joined the AWS Legal Queenstown team, as an experienced business lawyer specialising in corporate and commercial law. Jono grew up in Queenstown before attending Otago University. He then worked in Wellington for a decade, before returning to the South with his young family. Jono Cole has extensive experience in corporate and commercial law. His […]
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A huge day today here at AWS Legal, as we celebrated four of our amazing young graduates’ admissions to the bar at the Invercargill District Court. Bella Hiroki works in our rural team, and was moved by Partner, Toni Green. Rebecca Scott works in our Winton office, and was moved by Partner, Chris Menzies. William Swan works in our Property & Projects […]