15 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1593 views
The New Zealand Government is introducing a new offence to address disruptive demonstrations outside private homes, particularly those targeting public figures like MPs and judges. The legislation aims to protect individuals and their families' peace and privacy while balancing the public's right to demonstrate reasonably. The new law will target demonstrations directed at individuals in their homes with penalties of up to three months in jail or a $2,000 fine.
13 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1652 views
The Government is strengthening trafficking and people smuggling laws to hold criminals accountable and address the low prosecution rates for trafficking cases. The reforms aim to make it easier to prosecute offenders, particularly in cases involving victims under 18, by removing the need to prove coercion or deception. The changes also focus on preventing the smuggling of migrants using fraudulent travel documents and enhancing protection for undercover Police investigating child exploitation cases.
08 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1522 views
A 12-month Military-Style Academy pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga in Palmerston North has successfully supported youth offenders and their families, resulting in improved behavior and reduced re-offending rates. Minister for Children Karen Chhour received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the pilot's outcomes, with many participants showing promise and making positive life changes. The government's initiatives, including the pilot program, have contributed to a significant reduction in serious and persistent youth offending, leading to safer communities and increased opportunities for at-risk youth.
05 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2327 views
Construction begins on the new Papakura District Court, aiming to improve court processes and critical infrastructure, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Courts Minister Nicole McKee. The project reflects a modern approach, with half the building being prefabricated off-site to enhance safety and efficiency while addressing demographic changes in South Auckland. The new courthouse, set to open in early 2027 with a $34m budget, will feature three courtrooms, two hearing rooms, and a dedicated suite for vulnerable witnesses, emphasizing the importance of timely access to justice and supporting victims within the justice system.
31 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2011 views
The Government has agreed to raise the probate threshold from $15,000 to $40,000 to make it easier and cheaper for families to access assets of deceased loved ones, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. The current threshold set in 2009 no longer reflects the value of estates, especially with KiwiSaver balances, leading to smaller estates being burdened by court costs and legal fees. The increase aims to allow executors to distribute lower-value assets more efficiently, ensuring more of the estate goes to beneficiaries, while still maintaining oversight through the High Court for higher value assets to prevent fraud or non-compliance with the deceased's wishes.
28 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3025 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
2070 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
1841 views
The Government is updating electoral laws to address issues with same-day enrolment, aiming to streamline the voting process and reduce post-election timeframes. Key changes include closing enrolment 13 days before election day, implementing 12 days of advance voting, and introducing automatic enrolment updates. Other adjustments involve stricter rules on treating near voting places, adjusting the donation reporting threshold, and various procedural changes to enhance the electoral system.
10 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1837 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.
08 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1967 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
2345 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
2108 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.
21 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2287 views
Regulation Minister David Seymour says that red tape is giving Kiwis serious headaches, and the Red Tape Tipline has received over 750 submissions. “A submitter to the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline has complained that the threshold for probate has not kept up with inflation. This means that more Kiwis have to go through the tedious legal process that is probate, while they are mourning,” Mr Seymour says.
17 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2093 views
Repeat violent and sexual offenders are officially on notice Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Tougher penalties are now in place as the Three Strikes law comes into force today and the message is clear. If you commit serious violent or sexual offences, expect to face increasingly severe consequences.