05 Nov 2025
1 year ago
1311 views
The House has approved the appointment of High Court Judge Hon Justice Timothy Brewer as the next Inspector-General of Defence and barrister Natalie Pierce as the Deputy. Justice Brewer, a former Brigadier in the NZ Army, will retire on November 15 and assume the IGD role on December 1. Ms. Pierce, with expertise in criminal law and human rights, will start her role on November 10. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith also acknowledged the contributions of Brendan Horsley, who held the IGD role concurrently with his role as Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, in establishing the office and providing oversight.
28 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1348 views
Attorney-General Judith Collins appointed Bernadette Arapere, a barrister from Whanganui, as a District Court Judge. Judge Arapere, admitted to the bar in 2005, previously worked as a Crown Counsel and has a diverse legal background in public law and litigation. She will be based at the Hastings District Court, with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 29 November.
24 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1314 views
The speech delivered in the Oxford Union debate argues that courts are undermining democracy due to judicial overreach and challenges to popular will. It emphasizes the importance of democratic principles, separation of powers, and judicial independence in upholding the people's voice in governance. The speaker highlights concerns about judicial activism and the need for prudential leadership to ensure that laws are made by elected representatives, emphasizing the role of parliament as the voice of the people and the importance of defending democracy against current threats.
23 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1315 views
The Disputes Tribunal's financial jurisdiction will double to $60,000, aiming to expedite civil cases and enhance affordability for New Zealanders, as noted by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. Approximately 2,000 claims yearly are projected to benefit from this increase, aiding new claimants and those who might have previously adjusted their claims due to jurisdiction limitations. Efforts to improve access to justice include upcoming legislation that would require respondents to reimburse successful applicants for filing fees, addressing cost barriers for individuals seeking resolution without incurring high legal expenses.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1252 views
Courts Minister Nicole McKee praises the 2025 Court User Survey results, with 82% satisfaction, the highest since 2019, attributing it to staff efforts. Recent court improvements include reducing case backlogs, improving case age, and enhancing efficiency across various court jurisdictions. The focus is on enhancing safety, with high percentages feeling safe in courthouses, and upcoming plans include digital systems and expanded magistrate roles for faster justice delivery.
21 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1247 views
The Government has passed the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill to enhance protection for individuals in state care, aligning with recommendations from the Royal Commission. Changes in the legislation include eliminating strip searches of young people in secure residential care, clarifying time limits for placements, introducing new search powers in youth justice facilities, and preventing individuals with overseas convictions from working with children. The amendments also address record-keeping challenges for survivors and extend monitoring powers to improve practices, with a commitment to further progress in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
21 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1283 views
The Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill passed its first reading, focusing on recognizing abuse in care experiences and providing redress through financial payments, apologies, access to care records, and counseling services. The Bill introduces a framework for independent consideration of financial redress for survivors who have committed serious offenses, aiming to prevent the scheme from being brought into disrepute. The Bill has been referred to the Social Services and Community Select Committee for further review, encouraging input from survivors, advocates, and other stakeholders.
21 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1313 views
Courts Minister Nicole McKee is pleased with the 20% decrease in the backlog of criminal cases in the District Court since April 2023, equivalent to around 1,700 cases, under the government's efforts to prioritize timely justice for victims. The improvement is attributed to a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies and the judiciary, with initiatives like the District Court Timely Justice Programme enhancing court system efficiency and performance. The focus on reducing delays in court processes aligns with the government's commitment to providing faster access to justice and making a tangible impact on the criminal justice system.
17 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1386 views
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced the removal of Fale Andrew Lesa as a Justice of the Peace and Visiting Justice due to concerns about his misrepresentation of qualifications and experience. Despite Mr. Lesa's direct communication, he failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for his actions. McKee emphasized the importance of integrity and honesty for individuals in such roles, leading to the recommendation and subsequent removal of Mr. Lesa from office.
15 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1195 views
Dr Mark Hickford has been appointed to the Law Commission for a five-year term and will serve as President for six months, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. Hickford's exceptional legal background and management skills make him a valuable addition to the Commission. He will initially work part-time while fulfilling a commitment with Te Puni Kōkiri, and will serve as President for six months until a new President is confirmed.
14 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1325 views
Attorney-General Judith Collins announced Solicitor-General Una Jagose KC will resign in February after 10 years, praising her service. Jagose, who took office in 2016 after a distinguished 35-year public service career, received recognition for her efforts. The Solicitor-General serves as the Junior Law Officer of the Crown and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office, with the Public Service Commission overseeing the selection of a successor.
13 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1271 views
Courts Minister Nicole McKee is updating the law to encourage the use of audio and audio-visual links (AVL) in courts for increased efficiency and improved access to justice. The new law will establish default appearance types for court events, promoting consistency in the use of remote participation. Additionally, the legislation will introduce new offences and penalties for unauthorized recordings of court proceedings to protect safety and fair trial rights.
12 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1320 views
The Government is expanding its trial of clamping or seizing cars of individuals who fail to pay court fines, having already returned over $225,000 and seized 115 vehicles. The initiative aims to enforce payment of court fines effectively, with 982 people identified as having overdue fines or reparations, resulting in 278 immediate payments and 127 setting up payment arrangements. The success of the trial has led to the recovery of funds and the decision to expand the program, with plans to increase the number of number plate scanners in operation nationwide.
10 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1336 views
Attorney-General Judith Collins announced High Court and Environment Court appointments for Christchurch, Auckland, and Wellington. Owen Paulsen, a former Associate High Court Judge, has been appointed as a High Court Judge for Christchurch. Helen Wild, with a background in law firms and public service, has been appointed as an Associate High Court Judge for Auckland, while David Caldwell, a seasoned litigator and mediator, will join the Environment Court in Wellington after serving as a partner in various law firms.
09 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1265 views
The Cabinet has decided to amend the Policing Act to clarify Police's authority to gather intelligence in public places and expand their powers to temporarily close areas in response to antisocial behavior or safety risks. Recent court decisions have raised uncertainty about Police's ability to record images in public spaces, prompting the proposed amendments to reaffirm their authority for lawful purposes. These changes aim to restore Police's crime prevention capabilities, support prosecutions, respond to evolving threats like organized crime, and enhance interventions for public safety, youth offending, and family harm.