Law News & Articles
Showing 15 of 2394 articles
Attorney-General Extends Deadline for Phillips Children Inquiry Final Report
27 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 429 viewsThe Attorney-General has extended the deadline for the Public Inquiry into the disappearance of the Phillips children by one month to clarify a specific matter, without changing other terms of reference. The Inquiry, praised for its thorough report and careful consideration of the children’s welfare, submitted its initial findings on 21 July. The Attorney-General will review the final report for potential redactions before presenting it to the House of Representatives.
Tags: Public Inquiry Phillips children Judith Collins Simon Moore Mr Bishop Inquiries Act Terms of Reference House of RepresentativesEdward David Crook Appointed High Court Judge in Auckland Starting 2026
23 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 586 viewsAttorney-General Chris Bishop announced the appointment of Edward David Crook as a Judge of the High Court, effective 24 August 2026, to sit in Auckland. Justice Crook graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Cambridge and has extensive experience as a transactional lawyer specializing in real estate and construction, primarily serving institutional investors and developers. He has held leadership roles at Russell McVeagh, including chairing the Real Estate and Construction Team and the partnership, and has been a Director of the College of Law since 2007.
Tags: Chris Bishop Edward David Crook Ed Crook Justice Crook Herbert Smith Russell McVeagh Buddle Findlay University of Cambridge College of LawGovernment Signs PPP Agreement for Christchurch Men’s Prison Redevelopment Phase One
23 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 558 viewsThe Government has signed a public-private partnership agreement with Southern Renewal Partners to redevelop Christchurch Men's Prison, marking a major milestone for New Zealand's infrastructure and corrections system. Phase One includes constructing a new high-security accommodation unit with 240 beds, a mental health intervention building, and a health centre, with construction expected to finish by late 2029 and operations starting mid-2030. This redevelopment aims to increase prison capacity, replace aging facilities, support local employment, and enhance rehabilitation services to improve community safety and reduce reoffending.
Tags: Chris Bishop Mark Mitchell Christchurch Men's Prison Southern Renewal Partners Plenary Origination WBCA Pty Ltd Webuild Leighs Construction Serco New Zealand GovernmentNew Zealand Arms Bill Updates: Practical Changes for Firearms Owners and Public Safety
22 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 632 viewsThe New Zealand Government, following Justice Select Committee recommendations, is implementing practical and proportionate changes to the Arms Bill to improve firearms laws, benefiting licensed owners and related stakeholders while enhancing public safety. Key amendments include extending permit possession periods for gunsmiths, lengthening multi-entry visitor licenses, clarifying museum worker exemptions, and strengthening the independence and expertise of the Firearms Licensing Review Committee. These reforms aim to reduce unnecessary red tape, improve clarity, and ensure the law functions effectively, with most provisions commencing by September 2026 and full implementation by February 2028.
Tags: Nicole McKee Arms Bill Justice Select Committee New Zealand firearms laws firearms licensing gunsmiths museum workers Firearms Licensing Review Committee Associate Justice MinisterFinal Report on Phillips Children Disappearance Presented to Attorney-General
21 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 561 viewsThe final report of the Public Inquiry into the disappearance of the Phillips children has been presented to the Governor-General’s office and delivered to Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop. The Attorney-General will review the report for necessary redactions due to suppression orders and the welfare of the children before presenting it to the House of Representatives. The Government will carefully consider the Inquiry’s recommendations and respond in the coming weeks, with thanks extended to the Inquiry Chair, Honourable Justice Simon Moore KC, and his team.
Tags: Phillips children Public Inquiry Chris Bishop Judith Collins House of Representatives suppression orders Family Court Justice Simon MooreNew Zealand Rejects Blanket Crypto ATM Ban, Opts for Targeted Regulation
09 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 644 viewsThe Government has decided against a blanket ban on crypto ATMs, opting instead for targeted regulations to reduce criminal misuse of virtual assets while allowing legitimate use. Cabinet will introduce regulation-making powers to restrict cash transactions for virtual assets, such as setting transaction limits or banning cash payments for high-risk assets if necessary. These measures are part of broader reforms to New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism system, balancing innovation with crime prevention.
Tags: Nicole McKee crypto ATMs virtual assets New Zealand government Cabinet decision Countering Financing of Terrorism cash transactionsParliament Removes 5-Year Ban for Real Estate Agents Failing CPD Requirements
03 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 639 viewsParliament has passed legislation removing the disproportionate five-year disqualification penalty for real estate agents who fail to complete continuing professional development (CPD) or pay fees on time, addressing concerns about fairness and relevance. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bills also enhance conveyancers' ability to work, promote competition, and improve the justice system by allowing the Disputes Tribunal to order respondents to pay filing fees to successful claimants. These changes reflect the Government’s commitment to fit-for-purpose regulation and timely access to justice, with further court system improvements under consideration.
Tags: Nicole McKee Janet Dickson Real Estate Authority Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill Associate Justice Minister Real estate agents Continuing professional development Disputes Tribunal Conveyancers Justice CommitteeJudge La-Verne King Appointed as New Principal Family Court Judge in Whangarei
02 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 635 viewsJudge La-Verne King has been appointed as the new Principal Family Court Judge, starting in November after Judge Jackie Moran's retirement. With a legal career beginning in 1989, she co-founded the first Māori and Pasifika women law firm and has held various roles including Youth Advocate and District Inspector for Mental Health. Since her appointment to the District Court Bench in 2019, she has primarily served in Family and Youth Courts in Northland and became the Family Court Liaison Judge for the region in 2021.
Tags: Chris Bishop Ida Malosi Ali’imuamua Sandra Alofivae Jackie Moran KAM Legal Family Court Youth Court District Court NorthlandSafetyNet Launches to Enhance New Zealand’s Emergency Communications and Safety
30 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 640 viewsNew Zealand has launched SafetyNet Critical Communications, a new independent Crown company replacing Next Generation Critical Communications to enhance emergency preparedness and response across the country. SafetyNet will provide reliable, shared emergency communication services to public safety organizations on a commercial basis, supporting a modern, secure communications ecosystem. The company is led by a board including Rob Fyfe as Chair and CEO Steve Ferguson, with expert advice from key emergency service leaders.
Tags: Mark Mitchell Rob Fyfe Deborah Battel Glen Sowry Greg Lowe TJ Kennedy Steve Ferguson Hato Hone St John New Zealand Police Fire and Emergency New ZealandNew Regulatory Standards Act Empowers Kiwis to Challenge Bad Regulations
30 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 576 viewsThe Regulatory Standards Act (2025) establishes the Regulatory Standards Board to protect New Zealanders by increasing transparency around the costs and impacts of regulations on property rights and personal liberties. The Board reviews Consistency Accountability Statements, handles public complaints about bad regulations, and can assess existing laws to ensure accountability and inform voters. With over 260 regulators in New Zealand, this Act aims to provide clearer information on regulatory costs and empower citizens to hold policymakers responsible.
Tags: Regulatory Standards Act Regulatory Standards Board David Seymour New Zealand Public Finance Act Reserve Bank Act Bill of Rights Act Consistency Accountability Statements Ministry for Regulation KiwisNew Zealand Cracks Down on Boy Racers and Antisocial Road Users with Tough New Laws
30 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 611 viewsThe New Zealand Government has passed the Antisocial Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill to strengthen penalties against boy racers, fleeing drivers, and other antisocial road users, including vehicle forfeiture and increased fines for excessive noise. The law empowers Police to manage antisocial vehicle gatherings more effectively and aims to protect communities from dangerous and disruptive behaviours without targeting lawful car enthusiasts. Most changes will take effect in six months, allowing time for proper implementation by authorities and the judiciary.
Tags: Chris Bishop Mark Mitchell Antisocial Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill New Zealand Police street racing fleeing drivers vehicle destruction excessive noise Justice CommitteeNew Bills Expand Community Magistrates’ Role and Modernise Court Remote Participation
30 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 569 viewsTwo new Bills introduced aim to enhance court efficiency by expanding Community Magistrates' roles to handle more straightforward cases, freeing up judges for complex matters, and modernizing remote participation in court proceedings. The Community Magistrates Legislation Amendment Bill allows magistrates greater authority in pleas, trials, bail decisions, and administrative matters, supported by additional funding and the appointment of a Chief Community Magistrate. Meanwhile, the Courts Remote Participation Bill updates outdated laws to provide clearer rules and consistency for remote hearings, improving timeliness and access to justice, as reflected in recent reductions in criminal case backlogs and faster case resolutions.
Tags: Nicole McKee Moses Community Magistrates District Court Associate Justice Minister Judges Ministry of Justice Judiciary Chief Community Magistrate Courts Remote Participation BillCustoms Minister Warns Young New Zealanders: Drug Couriering Risks Life and Freedom
25 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 640 viewsCustoms Minister Casey Costello warned that young New Zealanders are being exploited by criminal groups to courier drugs, facing severe legal consequences including lengthy prison sentences. Recent arrests highlight ongoing drug smuggling operations, with significant quantities of methamphetamine involved and both locals and foreign nationals apprehended at airports. The Minister urged young people and their families to resist such offers, emphasizing the risks of imprisonment at home and harsher penalties, including the death penalty, in some Southeast Asian countries.
Tags: Casey Costello New Zealand drug courier methamphetamine Customs Minister drug smuggling Auckland Southeast Asia drug cartels border protectionNew State Redress Bill Enhances Abuse in Care Support and Introduces Offender Payment Rules
24 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 712 viewsThe Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill, recently passed its third reading, aims to improve the state redress system by recognizing abuse experiences, providing alternatives to litigation, and extending coverage to survivors of abuse in mental health facilities from 1993 to 2022. The Bill introduces a presumption against financial redress for survivors convicted of serious violent or sexual offences sentenced to five years or more, while still allowing access to other forms of redress and establishing an independent redress officer to review exemptions. Implementation will begin in stages, with the serious offender process starting on 1 August 2026 and full coverage including mental health abuse after 2022 set for 14 July 2027.
Tags: Erica Stanford Charlotte’s Change Redress System Abuse in Care State redress scheme Redress Officer Royal Commission Sentencing Act 2002 Serious offender process Government ResponseSupreme Court and Court of Appeal Judges Appointed from July 2026
23 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 848 viewsAttorney-General Chris Bishop announced that Justice Neil Ross Campbell will become a Judge of the Supreme Court and Justice David Gary Johnstone a Judge of the Court of Appeal, both starting on 16 July 2026. Justice Campbell has a distinguished academic and legal career, including roles as a law professor, Queen’s Counsel, and previous judicial appointments, while Justice Johnstone has extensive experience in criminal law, commercial litigation, and prosecution, with recent appointments as a High Court Judge. Both bring significant expertise from academia and practice, reflecting their progression through New Zealand’s legal system.
Tags: Chris Bishop Neil Ross Campbell David Gary Johnstone University of Auckland University of Cambridge Bell Gully Meredith Connell Queen’s Counsel High Court Judge Court of Appeal Judge