28 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3088 views
Acting Attorney-General Paul Goldsmith has appointed a Judicial Conduct Panel to investigate acting District Court Judge Ema Aitken's alleged conduct at the Northern Club on November 22, 2024, based on a recommendation from the Judicial Conduct Commissioner. The Panel members include the Honourable Brendan Brown KC, Honourable Justice Jillian Mallon, and Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, with Tim Stephens KC serving as special counsel. The Panel will provide a report to the Acting Attorney-General, who will then determine if Judge Aitken's removal is warranted, with no further comments to be made until the report is received.
25 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2136 views
The Government, led by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, is implementing new technology to clamp and seize cars of individuals evading court fines. Bailiffs are utilizing handheld devices to scan parked cars for overdue fines, with non-compliant vehicles facing clamping or towing. This initiative aims to enforce payment of court fines and reparations, prioritizing the needs of victims and enhancing law and order enforcement efforts.
24 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2490 views
New Zealand passes legislation to enhance protection against cybercrime, with 11% of citizens falling victim to online threats in 2024, resulting in significant emotional and financial harm. Joining the Budapest Convention will enable cooperation with other countries in criminal investigations and align domestic laws with international standards. Provisions in the Bill include new preservation directions, amendments to enhance mutual assistance in criminal matters, and updates to the Crimes Act to address cybercrime comprehensively.
23 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2109 views
New Zealand's Parliament has passed legislation under urgency to regulate ground-based space infrastructure, enhancing national security and protecting against foreign interference, according to Space Minister Judith Collins. The Outer Space High Altitude Activities Amendment Bill aims to ensure the safe and responsible use of space, with oversight and safeguards for satellite operations starting from 29 July. Operators will need to meet security requirements and undergo due diligence to obtain authorisation, with enforcement powers in place to address any national security concerns.
22 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2118 views
A bill to improve access to secondary legislation and digitize government services has passed its first reading, aiming to make legislation easier to find and comply with. Attorney-General Judith Collins highlights the importance of high-quality legislation that is easy to understand and use. The bill standardizes publication practices for secondary legislation and includes the redevelopment of the New Zealand legislation website to provide a one-stop shop for all legislation matters.
18 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2134 views
A cross-agency Anti-Corruption Taskforce pilot led by the Serious Fraud Office, supported by NZ Police and the Public Service Commission, aims to combat corruption and fraud risks in the public sector. The taskforce seeks to enhance New Zealand's reputation as a transparent and trustworthy place to invest by strengthening fraud prevention and detection systems within participating agencies. By promoting ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability, the taskforce aligns with the Government's efforts to maintain public trust and integrity in institutions.
15 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2159 views
Minister Brooke van Velden's Bill to regulate New Zealand's online gambling market passed its first reading in Parliament, aiming to protect players and ensure safer gambling practices. The Bill allows for up to 15 online gambling licences to be auctioned, with strict criteria for companies to meet, including harm prevention strategies and compliance history. The Department of Internal Affairs will enforce the new regulations, with fines of up to $5 million for rule violations, and public submissions on the Bill are encouraged as it moves to the select committee stage.
10 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1888 views
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says that small businesses will benefit from upcoming reforms to New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws, as the Government moves to make compliance more proportionate and practical for low-risk operators. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has announced Cabinet’s approval to draft a new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (Omnibus) Amendment Bill to overhaul the existing system. Under current rules, even small businesses and professionals, such as real estate agents, face complex and time-consuming checks, often regardless of how much risk they face,” Mrs McKee says.
09 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2086 views
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee today announced further steps in the Government’s overhaul of the AML/CFT regime, strengthening efforts to combat serious financial crime. “This Government is serious about targeting criminals, not tying up legitimate businesses in unnecessary red tape,” Mrs McKee says. “Cabinet has agreed to introduce a bill to strengthen enforcement powers for Police and regulators to crack down on those involved in money laundering.
08 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2018 views
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the Government is continuing to cut through unnecessary bureaucracy with reforms to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act, which will make life easier for hard-working Kiwi families managing property through family trusts. “For thousands of New Zealanders, setting up a family trust is part of securing their financial future, especially when it comes to their home. But under the current AML regime, selling a house held in a trust triggers a burdensome level of document verification and compliance checks that has little to do with actual risk,” Mrs McKee says.
03 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2420 views
The Government is strengthening trespass laws to make them more effective and practical for businesses, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say. “We know our trespass laws are no longer fit for purpose. They’re difficult to enforce and often criminals take no notice.
01 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2177 views
The Government is making it easier for police to punish shoplifters and is introducing stronger penalties for low-level theft, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say. “Public confidence in our justice system is undermined if people can steal with apparent impunity. It’s disheartening, and our government will not sit by while shoplifters rob businesses of their livelihoods,” Mr Goldsmith says.
30 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2015 views
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has today introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill to the House of Representatives. “The Online Casino Gambling Bill will introduce a regulatory system for online gambling in New Zealand, which will prioritise harm minimisation, consumer protection, and tax collection,” says Ms van Velden. Cabinet has previously agreed to introduce new legislation to regulate the online casino gambling market, which is currently unregulated in New Zealand.
30 Jun 2025
1 year ago
3001 views
The Government is introducing specific coward punch offences to ensure perpetrators receive tougher sentences, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “A ‘coward punch’ gets its name for obvious reasons. These attacks affect everyday Kiwis and are often committed by cowardly attackers, who strike when the victim is distracted.
29 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2777 views
The Government is introducing new offences to ensure those who assault on-duty first responders or prison officers spend longer in prison, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Where others may flee, first responders and prison officers run towards danger to help those who need urgent assistance. “Assaulting them puts multiple lives at risk, so there must be greater consequences for these heinous acts of violence.