Articles tagged with Collins

Paul Collins Appointed New Judicial Conduct Commissioner in Auckland

1 week ago | 149 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.

Tags: Paul Collins Chris Bishop Alan Ritchie Auckland Judicial Conduct Commissioner Glaister Ennor Shortland Chambers New Zealand Law Society

Paul Collins Appointed New Judicial Conduct Commissioner in Auckland

1 week ago | 146 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.

Tags: Paul Collins Chris Bishop Alan Ritchie Auckland Judicial Conduct Commissioner Glaister Ennor Shortland Chambers New Zealand Law Society

Attorney-General Extends Deadline for Phillips Children Inquiry Final Report

1 week ago | 141 views

The 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 Representatives

Final Report on Phillips Children Disappearance Presented to Attorney-General

2 weeks ago | 222 views

The 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 Moore

Justice Rachel Sussock Appointed High Court Judge Effective June 2026

3 months ago | 751 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.

Tags: Chris Bishop Rachel Julienne Sussock Judith Collins Victoria University of Wellington Phillips Fox DLA Piper Crown Law Office Wilson Harle Lowndes Jordan High Court Judge

New Zealand to Award Special Service Medal for Support to Ukraine

4 months ago | 650 views

The New Zealand Government will award the New Zealand Special Service Medal (Support to Ukraine) to Defence personnel who have supported Ukraine’s self-defence following the Russian invasion, recognizing their challenging and impactful service as part of Operation Tīeke. This medal, approved in principle by the Prime Minister and pending Governor-General approval, will be given to those with at least thirty days of qualifying service, highlighting New Zealand’s commitment to upholding the international rules-based order. The NZSSM honors special service involving significant risk and psychological impact, distinct from operational service, and has previously recognized efforts in hazardous or extraordinary circumstances.

Tags: Judith Collins Christopher Luxon New Zealand Defence Force Ukraine Operation Tīeke Operation Interflex New Zealand Special Service Medal NZSSM Russia

Attorney-General Appoints Two New District Court Judges for Palmerston North and Nelson

4 months ago | 814 views

Attorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointment of Prudence McGuire and Christopher Macklin as new District Court Judges, to commence their roles in April and May 2026 at Palmerston North and Nelson Courts, respectively. Ms. McGuire, a Rotorua-based barrister with extensive experience in family and criminal law, will be sworn in on 21 April 2026, while Mr. Macklin, a Nelson-based barrister specializing in criminal and regulatory litigation, will be sworn in on 15 May 2026. Both appointees have significant legal backgrounds, including prosecutorial roles and leadership positions within the legal community.

Tags: Judith Collins Prudence McGuire Christopher Macklin LW Goodman Wollerman Cooke McClure Davys Burton Russell McVeagh Gordon and Pilditch NZLS Criminal Law Committee Palmerston North District Court

Govt.nz App Update: New Digital Wallet and Secure Messaging Features Coming Soon

4 months ago | 786 views

The Govt. nz app will soon offer new digital features, including a digital wallet for storing accredited credentials from government and private sectors, supported by the Government Credential Issuance Platform. Hospitality New Zealand is collaborating to introduce a digital Kiwi Access Card for age verification, enhancing convenience and security without physical cards. By July 2026, secure messaging will enable direct communication from government agencies, while app use remains voluntary alongside existing service channels.

Tags: Govt. nz app Judith Collins digital identity digital wallet Government Credential Issuance Platform Hospitality New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act Kiwi Access Card New Zealand government services

Australia-New Zealand 2026 Joint Defence Statement: Strengthening ANZAC Alliance to 2035

4 months ago | 1060 views

The Australia-New Zealand Alliance, rooted in over a century of shared military history and formalized by the 1951 ANZUS Treaty, is being operationalized with a vision to create a seamlessly integrated, combat-capable force by 2035 while respecting sovereignty. Key efforts focus on enhancing force posture cooperation, combined operations and exercises, defence industry integration, and regional security, particularly in the Pacific, to address evolving security threats and strengthen collective deterrence. Implementation will be guided by established policy frameworks and working groups, with ongoing reviews through the ANZMIN dialogue to adapt and advance the Alliance’s objectives.

Tags: Richard Marles Judith Collins ANZAC ANZUS Treaty Australia New Zealand TALISMAN SABRE Pacific Response Group South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting

Australia-New Zealand Joint Defence Statement 2026: Strengthening ANZAC Alliance to 2035

4 months ago | 773 views

The Australia-New Zealand Alliance, rooted in over a century of shared military history and formalized by the 1951 ANZUS Treaty, is being operationalized with a vision to create a seamlessly integrated and combat-capable Anzac force by 2035. This involves enhancing force posture cooperation, combined operations and exercises, defence industry integration, and resilience to address evolving security threats while respecting both nations' sovereignty. Additionally, the partnership emphasizes strengthening Pacific security through increased interoperability and support for regional defence initiatives, with ongoing implementation overseen by dedicated working groups and the ANZMIN framework.

Tags: Richard Marles Judith Collins ANZAC ANZUS Treaty Australia New Zealand TALISMAN SABRE Pacific Response Group South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting

Australia-New Zealand Joint Statement 2026: Strengthening Defence Alliance and Pacific Security

4 months ago | 900 views

The Australia-New Zealand Alliance, rooted in over a century of shared military history and formalized by the 1951 ANZUS Treaty, is being operationalized to create a seamlessly integrated and combat-capable force by 2035, addressing evolving security challenges. This vision encompasses enhanced force posture cooperation, combined operations and exercises, defence industry integration, resilience, and strengthened Pacific security partnerships to ensure regional stability and collective defence. Implementation will be guided by ongoing policy frameworks and working groups, with ANZMIN serving as the primary mechanism for alliance management and adaptation.

Tags: Richard Marles Judith Collins ANZAC Australia New Zealand ANZUS Treaty TALISMAN SABRE Pacific Response Group SPDMM

Australia-New Zealand ANZMIN 2+2 2026: Strengthening Defence, Pacific Partnership & Global Security

4 months ago | 1441 views

On 17 March 2026, Australian and New Zealand Defence and Foreign Affairs Ministers held the third ANZMIN 2+2 consultations in Canberra, reaffirming their strong alliance and commitment to regional peace, security, and cooperation, particularly in the Pacific. They addressed global challenges including the Middle East conflict, climate change, transnational crime, and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing adherence to international law and multilateralism. The ministers condemned acts of aggression and human rights violations worldwide, supported Pacific-led initiatives, and committed to deepening partnerships and coordinated responses to security, humanitarian, and economic issues.

Tags: Richard Marles Penny Wong Judith Collins Winston Peters Australia New Zealand ANZMIN Pacific Islands Forum Iran Russia

NZ and Australia Ministers Meet in Canberra to Strengthen 75-Year Alliance

4 months ago | 727 views

Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins will attend the third annual Australia and New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ANZMIN) in Canberra to strengthen their strategic partnership. Marking 75 years of the New Zealand-Australia Alliance, they will discuss shared approaches to foreign policy, security, and defence amid increasing instability in the Indo-Pacific and globally. The ministers will also hold bilateral meetings with their Australian counterparts to address issues including cooperation in the Pacific and Antarctica.

Tags: Winston Peters Judith Collins Penny Wong Richard Marles ANZMIN New Zealand Australia Foreign Policy Defence Ministers

Anna Adams Appointed King’s Counsel Ahead of Solicitor-General Role in 2026

4 months ago | 896 views

Attorney-General Judith Collins announced that incoming Solicitor-General Anna Adams has been appointed as King’s Counsel, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the legal profession. Ms. Adams, an expert in public law with 28 years of experience, is praised for her judgment, integrity, and leadership, and will begin her role as Solicitor-General on 11 May 2026. This appointment aligns with the tradition of Solicitors-General being named King’s or Queen’s Counsel.

Tags: Judith Collins Anna Adams Herbert Evans Paul Neazor Michael Heron Una Jagose

Attorney-General Announces High Court Judicial Appointments for 2026

4 months ago | 897 views

Attorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointments of Natalie Walker as a High Court Judge in Auckland and Christopher Gambrill as a High Court Associate Judge in Christchurch. Justice Walker has extensive experience in Crown prosecution and legal practice in New Zealand, while Associate Judge Gambrill brings a background in commercial litigation and international legal consultancy. Their appointments will take effect in March and May 2026, respectively.

Tags: Judith Collins Natalie Walker Christopher Gambrill John Haigh Kayes Fletcher Walker Victoria University of Wellington Chapman Tripp Meredith Connell Simpson Grierson Everys Legal Consultancy