08 May 2026
6 months ago
1178 views
Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop announced that the next appointment round for King’s Counsel will occur in 2026, with applications opening on May 25 and closing on June 22. The Solicitor-General will consult with the New Zealand Law Society and the New Zealand Bar Association to inform recommendations made to the Governor-General, who has the final discretion in appointments. Guidelines and application details are available on the Crown Law website, and appointments are expected to be announced in October 2026.
08 May 2026
6 months ago
1148 views
Attorney-General Chris Bishop announced the appointment of Nischal Hasmukhlal Malarao as an Associate Judge of the High Court, effective 8 June 2026, in Auckland. Malarao has extensive legal experience, having worked at Chapman Tripp, Meredith Connell, and Lloyd’s of London, and later becoming a Senior Litigation Partner and head of key practice groups. Since July 2024, he has practiced independently at Richmond Chambers, specializing in civil, commercial, tax, and regulatory disputes, with a focus on company and insolvency law.
07 May 2026
6 months ago
1163 views
The Government is introducing the Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill to permanently close loopholes that previously allowed unsafe overseas adoptions into New Zealand, replacing last year’s temporary measures. The Bill clarifies recognition of overseas adoptions, citizenship pathways, and immigration processes, ensuring child safety through stricter safeguards and two main pathways for citizenship under the Hague Convention or New Zealand Family Court. It will be reviewed by the Justice Select Committee for public input, with the aim to pass before the current temporary laws expire in July 2027.
30 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1083 views
Legislation granting the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) enhanced powers to combat fraud has passed its first reading in Parliament, addressing challenges in obtaining digital evidence, applying for warrants, and managing search sites. The Bill aims to modernize law enforcement tools to better tackle increasing and complex fraud cases, ensuring no legal hurdles hinder investigations and protecting New Zealanders from financial harm. Additionally, it updates evidence admissibility standards and clarifies police powers when assisting the SFO in executing warrants.
28 Apr 2026
6 months ago
993 views
The Corrections (Management of Prisoners, and Prisoners’ Property) Amendment Bill aims to enhance prison and public safety by establishing a robust process to identify and manage prisoners who pose an extreme risk, including those linked to organized crime or radical ideologies, while balancing natural justice. It introduces stricter oversight measures for such prisoners, prohibits prolonged solitary confinement in line with UN standards, and ensures meaningful human contact is maintained. Additional provisions include new segregation grounds, easier management of segregated prisoners, the ability to destroy property of deceased designated terrorists, and measures to reduce illicit use of prisoner trust accounts.
24 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1339 views
Attorney-General Chris Bishop announced the appointment of Associate Judge Rachel Julienne Sussock as a High Court Judge, effective 1 June 2026, to sit in Auckland. Justice Sussock has a distinguished legal career, including roles at the Crown Law Office, commercial litigation firms, and appointment as an Associate Judge in 2020. She holds an LLB (Hons) and Bachelor of Commerce and Administration from Victoria University of Wellington and was recommended by Hon Judith Collins.
23 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1022 views
The Online Casino Gambling Bill has passed its final reading, introducing a regulatory regime that enhances consumer protections and ensures gambling revenue benefits local communities. It establishes up to 15 licenses for operators who must exclude problem gamblers and comply with strict harm prevention measures, while the Department of Internal Affairs gains stronger enforcement powers, including penalties up to $5 million. The Bill also closes tax loopholes, requires licensed operators to pay taxes, and will be followed by supporting regulations on advertising, harm minimisation, and consumer protection.
23 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1126 views
The New Zealand government is expanding a self-certification scheme allowing licensed plumbers and drainlayers to sign off their own work, covering most residential plumbing and some commercial jobs to reduce inspection delays and boost productivity. The scheme, overseen by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, ensures qualified practitioners maintain standards while protecting public health and safety, with Building Consent Authorities reviewing higher-risk work. Expected to be implemented before the General Election, the voluntary program aims to simplify the building consent system, support rural communities, and enable faster, more efficient completion of essential plumbing tasks.
20 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1146 views
Regulation Minister David Seymour announces the establishment of the Regulatory Standards Board under the Regulatory Standards Act 2025, which will oversee and advise on regulation quality, ensuring laws meet principles of necessity, proportionality, transparency, and rule of law. The Board, chaired by Paul Ridley-Smith and comprising experts from diverse backgrounds, will assess new and existing regulations, review Consistency Accountability Statements, and invite public complaints to promote accountability and clarity on regulatory costs. The Board will commence operations on 1 July 2026, enhancing regulatory oversight and public engagement in New Zealand’s legislative process.
11 Apr 2026
7 months ago
1162 views
All young people who accessed the rooftop of the Korowai Manaaki residence have safely come down due to the dedicated efforts of on-site staff. Minister for Children Karen Chhour praised the multi-agency collaboration between Oranga Tamariki, Police, and Fire and Emergency for their professional and effective response. She expressed relief that public safety was maintained and commended the facility and responders for their excellent handling of the situation.
10 Apr 2026
7 months ago
1149 views
The Judicial Conduct Panel found that Judge Ema Aitken breached comity but did not commit misbehaviour warranting her removal, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. As a result, Judge Aitken will remain an Acting District Court Judge until her warrant expires in February 2027. The minister emphasized the importance of judicial conduct panels in maintaining public trust and declined to comment further.
09 Apr 2026
7 months ago
1306 views
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill aims to reduce red tape, support economic growth in hospitality and events, and enhance fairness in licensing while maintaining public safety. Key changes include limiting objections to license applications to local residents, allowing clubs and certain restaurants more flexibility in alcohol sales, and streamlining special license requirements for events. The Justice Select Committee is inviting public submissions until 14 May 2026 to identify further low-risk regulatory improvements.
02 Apr 2026
7 months ago
1097 views
The latest Annual Report on the Child and Youth Strategy highlights a significant reduction in youth offending, with serious and persistent offenders decreasing by 25 percent since June 2023, surpassing the original 2030 goal. Communities feel safer as young people make better choices, and there has also been a noted reduction in substantiated child abuse and neglect cases. Minister Karen Chhour praises the progress, thanks Oranga Tamariki staff, and emphasizes ongoing efforts to address generational issues and encourage reporting concerns to protect children.
02 Apr 2026
7 months ago
2030 views
A new member’s bill reforming alcohol laws, effective from midnight tonight, allows hospitality businesses in New Zealand to operate under normal licence conditions on restricted trading days such as Anzac Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day, removing outdated meal order requirements and midnight closing rules. The amendment, including a key change by ACT MP Cameron Luxton, ensures bars and pubs can remain open past midnight, benefiting events like the opening of Christchurch’s Te Kaha Stadium and improving public safety by preventing large crowds from leaving venues simultaneously. This reform provides clarity and regulatory relief for the hospitality sector, enabling businesses to operate confidently during important holidays while restoring consumer choice.
26 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1523 views
New Zealand is reforming its Commerce Commission to improve competition regulation by separating governance and regulatory functions, following an independent review that found the current structure ineffective. The new governance model, effective from July 2027, introduces an oversight board with external directors and a panel of expert commissioners to enhance decision-making and market competitiveness. Current leadership will provide continuity during the transition, with the Commerce (Commerce Commission Reform) Amendment Bill now under consideration by the Finance and Expenditure Committee.