Articles tagged with Justice
Government's Comprehensive Action Plan to Combat Methamphetamine Harm in New Zealand
21 hours ago | 31 viewsThe New Zealand Government, led by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, has approved a comprehensive action plan to combat the increasing harm caused by methamphetamine in society, with a focus on reducing crime victimization. Key initiatives include a nationwide media campaign, increased funding for community services, and enhanced enforcement measures to disrupt organized crime networks. Additional funding will support offshore liaison positions, money laundering teams, and community-led responses to combat the harms of meth and organized crime.
Tags: Government action plan methamphetamine harm New Zealand Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith Minister Mitchell Minister Doocey Minister Costello Minister McKee Minister ChhourHon. Justice Timothy Brewer Appointed as New Inspector-General of Defence, Natalie Pierce as Deputy
4 days ago | 60 viewsThe House has approved the appointment of High Court Judge Hon Justice Timothy Brewer as the next Inspector-General of Defence and barrister Natalie Pierce as the Deputy. Justice Brewer, a former Brigadier in the NZ Army, will retire on November 15 and assume the IGD role on December 1. Ms. Pierce, with expertise in criminal law and human rights, will start her role on November 10. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith also acknowledged the contributions of Brendan Horsley, who held the IGD role concurrently with his role as Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, in establishing the office and providing oversight.
Tags: High Court Judge Justice Timothy Brewer Natalie Pierce Deputy Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith Barrister Brendan Horsley Intelligence and SecurityNZ Disputes Tribunal Doubles Financial Jurisdiction for Quicker, Affordable Civil Cases
2 weeks ago | 142 viewsThe Disputes Tribunal's financial jurisdiction will double to $60,000, aiming to expedite civil cases and enhance affordability for New Zealanders, as noted by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. Approximately 2,000 claims yearly are projected to benefit from this increase, aiding new claimants and those who might have previously adjusted their claims due to jurisdiction limitations. Efforts to improve access to justice include upcoming legislation that would require respondents to reimburse successful applicants for filing fees, addressing cost barriers for individuals seeking resolution without incurring high legal expenses.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Justice Minister Disputes Tribunal New Zealanders civil cases legislation Ministry of Justice claimants filing fee respondentNew Zealand Minister for Children Achieves Historic Reduction of Harm in State Care Residences
2 weeks ago | 133 viewsMinister for Children Karen Chhour announced a historic 14% reduction in harm within Youth Justice and Care and Protection residences in New Zealand, attributing the achievement to investments and practice changes. The focus on safety and well-being, including enhanced training, recruitment, and facility improvements, has been a priority for Oranga Tamariki under her leadership. These efforts align with the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care, reflecting a commitment to preventing harm and prioritizing the safety of children and young people in state care.
Tags: Minister for Children Karen Chhour harm reduction state care residences Youth Justice Care and Protection Oranga Tamariki safety improvements training initiatives Royal Commission of Inquiry children's system.2025 Court User Survey: Minister Nicole McKee Applauds Positive Feedback & System Improvements
2 weeks ago | 169 viewsCourts Minister Nicole McKee praises the 2025 Court User Survey results, with 82% satisfaction, the highest since 2019, attributing it to staff efforts. Recent court improvements include reducing case backlogs, improving case age, and enhancing efficiency across various court jurisdictions. The focus is on enhancing safety, with high percentages feeling safe in courthouses, and upcoming plans include digital systems and expanded magistrate roles for faster justice delivery.
Tags: Courts Minister Nicole McKee Court User Survey Justice System Government District Court Disputes Tribunal Coroners Court Safety VictimsCourts Minister Nicole McKee Celebrates 20% Drop in District Court Backlog, Delivering Faster Justice for Victims
2 weeks ago | 149 viewsCourts Minister Nicole McKee is pleased with the 20% decrease in the backlog of criminal cases in the District Court since April 2023, equivalent to around 1,700 cases, under the government's efforts to prioritize timely justice for victims. The improvement is attributed to a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies and the judiciary, with initiatives like the District Court Timely Justice Programme enhancing court system efficiency and performance. The focus on reducing delays in court processes aligns with the government's commitment to providing faster access to justice and making a tangible impact on the criminal justice system.
Tags: Courts Minister Nicole McKee backlog criminal cases District Court victims justice sector judiciary Timely Justice Programme Chief District Court JudgeJustice Minister Removes Fale Andrew Lesa from Office Amid Qualification Controversy
3 weeks ago | 162 viewsAssociate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced the removal of Fale Andrew Lesa as a Justice of the Peace and Visiting Justice due to concerns about his misrepresentation of qualifications and experience. Despite Mr. Lesa's direct communication, he failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for his actions. McKee emphasized the importance of integrity and honesty for individuals in such roles, leading to the recommendation and subsequent removal of Mr. Lesa from office.
Tags: Nicole McKee Fale Andrew Lesa Justice Minister Justice of the Peace Visiting Justice complaints qualifications experience integrity honestyDr Mark Hickford Appointed Law Commission Member & President, Paul Goldsmith Announces
3 weeks ago | 151 viewsDr Mark Hickford has been appointed to the Law Commission for a five-year term and will serve as President for six months, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. Hickford's exceptional legal background and management skills make him a valuable addition to the Commission. He will initially work part-time while fulfilling a commitment with Te Puni Kōkiri, and will serve as President for six months until a new President is confirmed.
Tags: Dr Mark Hickford Law Commission President Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith legal credentials senior management experience organisation capability Te Puni Kōkiri Dr Kawharu Evidence Act 2006Government Updates Law for Court Technology Efficiency & Access
4 weeks ago | 170 viewsCourts Minister Nicole McKee is updating the law to encourage the use of audio and audio-visual links (AVL) in courts for increased efficiency and improved access to justice. The new law will establish default appearance types for court events, promoting consistency in the use of remote participation. Additionally, the legislation will introduce new offences and penalties for unauthorized recordings of court proceedings to protect safety and fair trial rights.
Tags: Courts Minister Nicole McKee Government law court efficiency remote participation justice system Court Rules technology judiciaryGovernment's Vehicle Seizure Program Recovers $225K
4 weeks ago | 210 viewsThe Government is expanding its trial of clamping or seizing cars of individuals who fail to pay court fines, having already returned over $225,000 and seized 115 vehicles. The initiative aims to enforce payment of court fines effectively, with 982 people identified as having overdue fines or reparations, resulting in 278 immediate payments and 127 setting up payment arrangements. The success of the trial has led to the recovery of funds and the decision to expand the program, with plans to increase the number of number plate scanners in operation nationwide.
Tags: Government trial clamping seizing court fines Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith bailiffs number plates victimsGovernment's Focus on Faster Justice: Real Results in Civil Disputes, Family Wait Times
1 month ago | 207 viewsCourts Minister Nicole McKee highlights the Government's focus on faster justice delivery, emphasizing the importance of reducing delays in resolving civil disputes and family wait times for coroners' findings. Significant progress has been made in various jurisdictions, such as the District Court, where active civil cases decreased by 20% and completed cases increased by 8%. The Disputes Tribunal also saw over 900 more cases completed in a year, with a 21% decrease in aged cases, while the Coroners Court reduced active cases by 15% through the introduction of associate coroners and clinical advisors.
Tags: Courts Minister Nicole McKee justice system District Court civil cases Disputes Tribunal Coroners Court associate coroners clinical advisors Ministry of JusticeNew Zealand Takes Urgent Action to Suspend Unsafe International Adoptions
1 month ago | 242 viewsThe Government, led by Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee, is urgently suspending recognition of unsafe international adoptions to protect children and young people. The Adoption Amendment Bill has been introduced to immediately suspend New Zealand's recognition of risky overseas adoptions, citing inadequate safeguards in current laws. The temporary suspension, effective until a specified date or July 1, 2027, aims to prevent harm to children adopted into unsafe situations, with plans for a long-term solution and exemptions for countries with safe adoption practices.
Tags: Government international adoptions children young people Nicole McKee Adoption Amendment Bill unsafe overseas adoptions Joseph Auga Matamata Family Court Ministry of JusticeGovernment Surpasses Violent Crime Reduction Target with Increased Police Presence
2 months ago | 256 viewsThe Government is exceeding its violent crime reduction target as Police deploy more officers on the beat, with Henderson in West Auckland being the next focus area. Since receiving funding in Budget 2024, 63 beat officers have been deployed across major cities and districts, set to increase to 70 with the launch of Henderson's team. The increased police presence through beat teams and Retail Crime Units is contributing significantly to deterring crime and ensuring community safety, with a decrease in serious violent crime victims reported in the latest data.
Tags: Government Police Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith Police Minister Mark Mitchell Crime reduction Beat teams Law and order Violent crime Victims MāoriGovernment Expands Community Magistrates' Role to Streamline District Court Process
2 months ago | 368 viewsThe Government, led by Associate Justice and Courts Minister Nicole McKee, plans to expand the jurisdiction of Community Magistrates in the District Court to enhance efficiency and reduce delays. This expansion will enable Community Magistrates to handle guilty pleas for most offenses, manage a broader range of cases, and issue community-based sentences. The initiative aims to streamline court processes, alleviate pressure on judges, and provide faster justice outcomes for victims, with budget support for additional Community Magistrates and training oversight.
Tags: Government Community Magistrates Justice System District Court Nicole McKee Legislation Judges Court Proceedings Victims Budget 2025New Law Introduces Offence for Disruptive Demonstrations at Private Homes in New Zealand
2 months ago | 492 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Government offence disruptive demonstrations private homes Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith public persons MPs judges public officials