Articles tagged with Justice Select Committee

New Zealand Arms Bill Updates: Practical Changes for Firearms Owners and Public Safety

1 week ago | 152 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.

Tags: Nicole McKee Arms Bill Justice Select Committee New Zealand firearms laws firearms licensing gunsmiths museum workers Firearms Licensing Review Committee Associate Justice Minister

New Zealand Introduces Bill to Close Overseas Adoption Loopholes and Protect Children

2 months ago | 572 views

The Government is introducing the Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill to permanently close loopholes that previously allowed unsafe overseas adoptions into New Zealand, replacing last year’s temporary measures. The Bill clarifies recognition of overseas adoptions, citizenship pathways, and immigration processes, ensuring child safety through stricter safeguards and two main pathways for citizenship under the Hague Convention or New Zealand Family Court. It will be reviewed by the Justice Select Committee for public input, with the aim to pass before the current temporary laws expire in July 2027.

Tags: Nicole McKee Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill Associate Justice Minister Adoption Amendment Act 2025 New Zealand Hague Convention Justice Select Committee international adoption child safety immigration pathways

NZ Alcohol Regulation Bill Passes First Reading: Streamlining Licenses & Cutting Red Tape

3 months ago | 634 views

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill aims to reduce red tape, support economic growth in hospitality and events, and enhance fairness in licensing while maintaining public safety. Key changes include limiting objections to license applications to local residents, allowing clubs and certain restaurants more flexibility in alcohol sales, and streamlining special license requirements for events. The Justice Select Committee is inviting public submissions until 14 May 2026 to identify further low-risk regulatory improvements.

Tags: Nicole McKee Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act Justice Select Committee alcohol regulation licensing regime red tape hospitality sector alcohol harm reduction New Zealand Parliament Rugby World Cup

Justice Committee Extends Arms Bill Submission Period – Have Your Say Now

7 months ago | 789 views

Associate 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 Parliament