08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
407 views
Wills Month encourages New Zealanders to consider leaving charitable bequests as part of the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in the country’s history, estimated at $1.6 trillion by 2050. Research shows many Kiwis value generosity but few receive professional advice on charitable giving, highlighting an opportunity for collaboration between financial advisors and the charitable sector. Minister Louise Upston urges individuals to discuss charitable bequests with advisors to create lasting community legacies and emphasizes New Zealand’s strong tradition of giving, with charities receiving $5.16 billion in 2024/2025.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
416 views
Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has appointed Christopher Morris as a District Court Judge, with his swearing-in scheduled for 22 October 2026 in Auckland. Mr Morris is an experienced sole practitioner in Auckland, formerly a partner at Cook Morris Quinn, and has worked extensively in criminal, regulatory, and civil law. His career includes roles at Bell Gully Buddle Weir, Meredith Connell, and the Crown Law Office, with appearances in high-profile trials and courts up to the Privy Council.
01 Sep 2026
1 month ago
478 views
New legislation granting the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) enhanced powers to combat fraud has passed its final reading in Parliament, addressing challenges in obtaining digital evidence and managing investigations. The Bill allows the SFO to obtain all necessary electronic evidence, apply for search warrants orally, and control search sites to prevent interference, while also updating evidence admissibility rules. This aims to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to tackle increasing and complex fraud cases, protecting New Zealanders from significant financial losses and white-collar crime.
01 Sep 2026
1 month ago
419 views
New legislation granting the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) enhanced powers has passed Parliament to better combat the growing and complex issue of fraud in New Zealand, which causes significant financial losses and harm. The new law allows the SFO to obtain digital evidence more efficiently, apply for search warrants orally, manage search sites independently, and clarifies evidence admissibility and police support during investigations. These changes aim to close legal gaps, reduce red tape, and strengthen law enforcement’s ability to protect New Zealanders from white-collar crime.
28 Aug 2026
1 month ago
514 views
Attorney-General Chris Bishop announced the appointment of Auckland Barrister Sarah Elizabeth Wroe as an Associate Judge of the High Court, effective 14 September 2026. Wroe graduated from the University of Cambridge, practiced law in the UK before emigrating to New Zealand, where she gained admission as a Barrister and Solicitor and specialized in commercial and civil litigation. She has also taught law, served as an Appeals Commissioner for the New Zealand Olympic Committee, and will sit in Auckland.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
553 views
The New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and protect business confidence. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and best addressed through national legislation, not court litigation, which risks creating contradictory legal regimes. The amendment maintains existing obligations under the Emissions Trading Scheme while reinforcing the government's commitment to a stable legal framework that supports investment and economic growth.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
604 views
The New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and avoid conflicting court rulings. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and better managed through national legislation rather than litigation. Despite the amendment, businesses remain obligated to comply with existing emissions regulations under the Emissions Trading Scheme.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
579 views
The government is intensifying efforts to enforce payment of overdue court fines by conducting a nationwide operation where bailiffs will scan parked cars to identify defaulters, with vehicles subject to clamping or seizure if payments are not arranged. Since trialling this technology in July last year, over 268,000 number plates have been scanned, resulting in more than $4.2 million recovered, numerous payments made on the spot, and hundreds of vehicles clamped, seized, or sold. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to law and order by ensuring fines and reparations are taken seriously.
06 Aug 2026
2 months ago
763 views
The Crimes Act Amendment Bill, recently passed in Parliament, enhances powers for businesses and citizens to detain and arrest offenders, introduces stronger penalties for retail crime, assaults on first responders, and coward punches, and strengthens trafficking laws. It expands citizens' arrest powers to intervene in any Crimes Act offence at any time, requires police notification and adherence to instructions, and clarifies the use of reasonable force and restraints during arrests. These measures aim to better protect retailers, first responders, and the public while addressing law and order issues before the upcoming election.
04 Aug 2026
2 months ago
674 views
The Government's Crimes Act Amendment Bill aims to strengthen law and order by granting businesses expanded powers to detain and arrest offenders, introducing harsher penalties for retail crime, assaults on first responders, and coward punches. The legislation includes new specific offences, an enhanced shoplifting infringement regime, and clarifies citizens' arrest powers, allowing intervention at any time and the use of reasonable force. These changes are designed to better protect retailers, frontline workers, and the public while closing legal loopholes related to trafficking and people smuggling.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
694 views
New Zealand’s new Arms Bill, passed today, introduces clearer, more effective firearms laws that enhance public safety while respecting licensed owners by separating regulation from police and creating an independent arms regulator. The legislation streamlines compliance, strengthens penalties against unlawful activities, and includes measures such as extended licences, multi-user agreements, and a statutory ‘red flag’ system to prevent firearms misuse. Most provisions take effect on 23 September, with full implementation by February 2028, reflecting extensive public consultation and aiming to rebuild trust in the firearms regulatory system.
28 Jul 2026
2 months ago
608 views
Auckland barrister Paul Collins has been confirmed as the new Judicial Conduct Commissioner, succeeding retiring Alan Ritchie. With nearly 40 years of legal experience, Collins has specialised in legal profession regulation and professional disciplinary matters, practicing at Shortland Chambers since 2011. He will begin his role in the coming weeks after receiving a warrant from the Governor-General.
28 Jul 2026
2 months ago
545 views
Auckland barrister Paul Collins has been confirmed as the new Judicial Conduct Commissioner, succeeding retiring Alan Ritchie. Collins brings nearly 40 years of legal experience, specializing in legal profession regulation and professional disciplinary matters, with a background including senior roles at Glaister Ennor and Shortland Chambers. He will begin his appointment soon after receiving a warrant from the Governor-General.
24 Jul 2026
3 months ago
763 views
Attorney-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.
22 Jul 2026
3 months ago
854 views
The 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.