Articles tagged with Justice Minister
NZ to Allow Restaurants with Retail Areas to Sell Take-Home Alcohol
6 days ago | 100 viewsAssociate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, allowing restaurants with on-site retail areas that sell takeaway food or non-alcoholic beverages to apply for an off-licence to sell alcohol for off-site consumption. This amendment removes restrictive rules that previously prevented such businesses from selling take-home alcohol, aiming to reduce red tape, support responsible operators, and foster entrepreneurial hospitality ventures. The reform, supported by MPs Chris Bishop and Mike Butterick, seeks to adapt regulations to modern business models and enhance customer choice.
Tags: Nicole McKee Chris Bishop Mike Butterick Associate Justice Minister Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act La Bella Italia Hutt South MP Government alcohol reforms restaurantsNew Election Laws Boost Efficiency with Early Enrolment and Digital Updates
1 week ago | 80 viewsThe Government has passed legislation to improve election efficiency by closing enrolment 13 days before election day, allowing automatic enrolment updates, and removing postal requirements to better manage voter participation. Additional changes include extending advance voting to 12 days, reinstating a prisoner voting ban for certain sentences, adjusting donor reporting thresholds, and introducing penalties for providing inducements near polling places. The Bill also enhances Electoral Commission operations, modifies candidate and party registration rules, and supports a separate bill to ensure executive government continuity post-election.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith New Zealand Electoral Commission Government Justice Minister elections legislation Constitution Act 1986 prisoner voting ban advance votingJustice Committee Extends Arms Bill Submission Period – Have Your Say Now
2 weeks ago | 126 viewsAssociate Justice Minister Nicole McKee welcomes the Justice Select Committee’s extension of the submission period for the Arms Bill, encouraging New Zealanders to provide feedback to improve the legislation. She emphasizes the importance of input from licensed firearm owners and the public to create practical, responsible firearms laws through a thorough six-month consultation process. Early engagement has been significant, with over 8,500 submissions offering extensive feedback, and the new deadline for submissions is 16 February 2026.
Tags: Nicole McKee Justice Select Committee Arms Bill New Zealand Licenced Firearm Owner firearms law Justice Minister public consultation Arms Act rewrite New Zealand ParliamentNew Zealand Simplifies AML Rules to Ease Financial Transactions and Cut Red Tape
1 month ago | 164 viewsNew Zealand's Parliament has passed the first of several Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulatory reforms aimed at simplifying financial transactions by reducing red tape. The Statutes Amendment Bill introduces key changes, including eliminating the need to verify a customer's address for standard due diligence, easing processes like opening basic bank accounts. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee emphasizes that these reforms will create a more risk-based, efficient AML system that reduces unnecessary paperwork while better targeting real crime.
Tags: Nicole McKee AML Statutes Amendment Bill New Zealand Associate Justice Minister customer verification financial transactions ParliamentNZ Banks Gain Freedom to Share Fraud Data, Cutting Red Tape and Boosting Security
1 month ago | 150 viewsAssociate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has introduced a ministerial exemption to the AML/CFT Act 2009, allowing banks to share anti-money laundering information to better prevent fraud and scams. This reduction in red tape enables banks to act faster and collaborate more effectively to freeze scam transfers before funds are lost overseas. The government aims to create more agile regulatory settings by freeing businesses from excessive compliance burdens while targeting actual financial criminals through wider AML/CFT reforms.
Tags: Nicole McKee Associate Justice Minister New Zealand fraud prevention scams banks regulatory reform financial crimeNew Zealand Makes Stalking a Criminal Offence with Up to 5 Years Prison
1 month ago | 174 viewsNew Zealand has passed legislation making stalking a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison, addressing long-overdue protections against persistent and harmful intrusions. The new law defines stalking as a pattern of behavior likely to cause fear or distress, including acts such as following, unwanted communication, and damaging reputations, with the offence coming into force in May 2026. This legislation prioritizes victim needs, particularly protecting women and children, and includes a police notice system and relevant defenses to effectively combat stalking and harassment.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Justice Minister New Zealand stalking harassment Crimes Legislation Parliament victims advocacy PoliceNew Zealand Introduces Stalking Offence with Up to 5 Years Imprisonment
1 month ago | 192 viewsParliament has passed new legislation making stalking a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison, addressing persistent and harmful behaviours that cause emotional, psychological, and economic harm to victims. The law defines stalking as a pattern of behaviour likely to cause fear or distress, including acts like following, unwanted communication, and damaging reputations, with enforcement beginning in May 2026 after necessary training and public information are prepared. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized the importance of prioritizing victims, particularly women and children, and acknowledged the advocacy efforts that helped bring the legislation to fruition.
Tags: stalking harassment Paul Goldsmith Justice Minister New Zealand Crimes Legislation Parliament victims advocacy PoliceGovernment's Comprehensive Action Plan to Combat Methamphetamine Harm in New Zealand
1 month ago | 181 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
1 month ago | 192 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 months ago | 280 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 respondentJustice Minister Removes Fale Andrew Lesa from Office Amid Qualification Controversy
2 months ago | 276 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
2 months ago | 244 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's Vehicle Seizure Program Recovers $225K
2 months ago | 318 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 Surpasses Violent Crime Reduction Target with Increased Police Presence
3 months ago | 385 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 MāoriNew Law Introduces Offence for Disruptive Demonstrations at Private Homes in New Zealand
4 months ago | 600 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