Articles tagged with Paul Goldsmith

Government Raises Probate Threshold to $40,000 for Faster Asset Access | 2025 Update

5 hours ago | 52 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.

Tags: Government probate threshold assets deceased loved ones Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith KiwiSaver High Court legal fees beneficiaries

Judicial Conduct Panel Appointed to Investigate Judge Ema Aitken's Alleged Conduct

3 days ago | 73 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.

Tags: Ema Aitken Paul Goldsmith Brendan Brown Jillian Mallon Jerry Mateparae Tim Stephens Judicial Conduct Panel Acting District Court Judge Chief Justice

New Technology to Clamp Cars of Court Fine Evaders in Trial

6 days ago | 228 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.

Tags: Government technology court fines Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith bailiffs handheld devices wheel clamping victims Ministry of Justice

New Zealand Bolsters Cybercrime Protection with Budapest Convention Passage

1 week ago | 234 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.

Tags: New Zealanders cybercrime legislation Paul Goldsmith fraud National Cyber Security Centre Budapest Convention Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime law enforcement agencies criminal investigations

Government to Revamp Electoral Laws for Efficiency and Transparency

1 week ago | 137 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.

Tags: Government electoral laws enrolment advance voting Electoral Commission Paul Goldsmith Justice Minister donation threshold party donors Constitution Act 1986

Government Strengthens Trespass Laws to Safeguard Businesses: Proposed Changes and Impact Explained

4 weeks ago | 326 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.

Tags: Government trespass laws businesses Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee law and order community properties offenders Retail MAG

Government Implements Stronger Penalties for Shoplifters to Restore Justice and Public Confidence

1 month ago | 275 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.

Tags: Government Police Shoplifting Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee

New 'Coward Punch' Laws: Tougher Penalties for Offenders in New Zealand

1 month ago | 448 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.

Tags: National New zealand first Paul goldsmith Three strikes regime

New Offences for Assaulting First Responders & Prison Officers: Tougher Penalties Proposed by Justice Minister Goldsmith

1 month ago | 404 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.

Tags: Goldsmith National / New zealand New zealand first Paul goldsmith Protection for first responders and prison officers

Paul Henry Joins TVNZ Board, Brings Extensive Broadcasting Expertise | TVNZ Board Appointments Announced

1 month ago | 436 views

Broadcaster Paul Henry has been appointed to the TVNZ Board, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Henry has spent nearly his entire career involved in the broadcasting industry, producing news, current affairs, and entertainment programming both here in New Zealand and overseas. “He was integral in the establishment of the successful multi-platform Paul Henry breakfast show, established and sold a radio station in the Wairarapa, and was heavily involved in the launch of the former radio network Today FM.

Tags: John qui Media and communications New zealand Paul goldsmith Paul henry The chase new zealand Today fm Tvnz board Wairarapa

Kiwi Red Tape Woes: Outdated Probate Threshold Causes Delays in Estate Administration

1 month ago | 313 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.

Tags: Administration All blacks Cabinet David seymour High court Justice Ministry Ministry for regulation New zealand Paul goldsmith Red tape tipline Regulation Regulations Rugby world cup Seymour

National Matariki and Puanga Celebration at Ngāti Rangi Marae: Honoring Tradition and Looking to the Future

1 month ago | 470 views

The Government is recognising Matariki at the official ceremony near Ohakune today, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “We are honoured to be guests of Ngāti Rangi for this traditional hautapu ceremony,” Mr Goldsmith says. “This is the fourth national Matariki broadcast but the first time it has been hosted by a marae, and the first year Puanga is the star of national celebrations.

Tags: Arts culture and heritage Goldsmith Matarik Ngti rang Ohakune Paul goldsmith Tama potaka

Govt set to surpass both law and order targets

1 month ago | 305 views

New quarterly data shows the Government is on track to deliver on both law and order targets ahead of schedule, Minister for Children Karen Chhour and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith say. “We’re determined to protect communities, reduce victimisation, and to encourage young people not to continue down the path of serious crime and incarceration,” Mrs Chhour says. “A year ago we set a target of reducing the number of children and young people with serious and persistent offending behaviour by 15 per cent by 2029.

Tags: Auckland Canterbury Goldsmith Karen chhou New zealand crime and victims survey Paul goldsmith Youth serious offender