Articles tagged with Law
New Alcohol Laws Allow Hospitality to Trade Normally on Easter and Anzac Days
2 weeks ago | 710 viewsA new member’s bill reforming alcohol laws, effective from midnight tonight, allows hospitality businesses in New Zealand to operate under normal licence conditions on restricted trading days such as Anzac Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day, removing outdated meal order requirements and midnight closing rules. The amendment, including a key change by ACT MP Cameron Luxton, ensures bars and pubs can remain open past midnight, benefiting events like the opening of Christchurch’s Te Kaha Stadium and improving public safety by preventing large crowds from leaving venues simultaneously. This reform provides clarity and regulatory relief for the hospitality sector, enabling businesses to operate confidently during important holidays while restoring consumer choice.
Tags: Nicole McKee Kieran McAnulty Cameron Luxton Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act Ministry of Justice ACT Party Te Kaha Stadium New Zealand Parliament hospitality sector alcohol laws reformAttorney-General Appoints Two New District Court Judges for Palmerston North and Nelson
4 weeks ago | 325 viewsAttorney-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 CourtGovernment Introduces Bill to Strengthen Police Powers on Surveillance and Area Closures
1 month ago | 179 viewsThe Government has introduced a Bill to amend the Policing Act 2008, reaffirming Police's ability to record images and sounds in public and some private places for lawful purposes, addressing constraints from a recent Supreme Court decision. The Bill also expands Police's temporary area closure powers to include parks, reserves, beaches, and carparks, allowing them to manage non-compliance more effectively. These changes aim to strengthen Police capabilities in crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and enforcing law and order, ultimately enhancing public safety.
Tags: Mark Mitchell Chris Bishop Policing Act 2008 Police Supreme Court Tamiefuna case Antisocial Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill Government Law and Order temporary road closure powersNew Bill to Reform NZ Alcohol Laws Boosts Hospitality and Reduces Red Tape
1 month ago | 199 viewsA new Bill has been introduced in New Zealand to simplify and reform alcohol laws, reducing bureaucratic red tape and supporting economic growth, particularly benefiting the hospitality sector. Key changes include streamlining licensing processes, allowing extended hours for major events, permitting clubs and certain restaurants to serve alcohol more flexibly, and exempting hairdressers and barbers from onerous licensing requirements. The reforms aim to balance responsible adult choice with harm reduction, with further improvements expected following ongoing sector consultations and regulatory reviews.
Tags: Nicole McKee David Seymour New Zealand Sale and Supply of Alcohol Amendment Bill alcohol laws reform hospitality sector Ministry for Regulation Rugby World Cup hairdressing and barbering licensed premisesJohn Williamson Reappointed Chair of NZ Superannuation Guardians Board
1 month ago | 368 viewsJohn Williamson has been reappointed as Chair of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Board for two more years starting October 1, reflecting his strong leadership and extensive experience. The Board manages government investments in the NZ Super Fund and the Elevate NZ Venture Capital Fund, with five of seven members currently in their first term. This reappointment aims to ensure stability, continuity, and robust investment performance to grow New Zealand’s sovereign wealth funds for future generations.
Tags: John Williamson Nicola Willis Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Board NZ Super Fund Elevate NZ Venture Capital Fund Hellaby Holdings Ltd New Zealand government sovereign wealth funds private equity Māori resource lawAnna Adams Appointed New Solicitor-General and Chief Executive of Crown Law Office
1 month ago | 257 viewsAnna Adams has been appointed Solicitor-General and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office, bringing 28 years of extensive public law experience and strong private-sector leadership. She has acted as lead counsel in over 100 significant cases and held senior roles at Meredith Connell and PHARMAC. Her appointment, effective from 11 May 2026 for five years, is praised for her judgment, integrity, and ability to provide strong leadership in this key constitutional role.
Tags: Anna Adams Judith Collins Crown Law Office Bankside Chambers Meredith Connell PHARMAC Yale Law SchoolThree New District Court Judges Appointed for Kaikohe, Manukau, and Napier
1 month ago | 275 viewsAttorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges—Rohan Cochrane, Lynn Hughes, and Derek Whitehead—who will assume their roles in March at Napier, Manukau, and Kaikohe Courts respectively. Each appointee brings extensive legal experience in family and criminal law, with significant involvement in child advocacy, legal aid, and professional committees. Their diverse backgrounds and community engagement highlight their qualifications to serve in the judiciary and support the legal system across New Zealand.
Tags: Judith Collins Rohan Cochrane Lynn Hughes Derek Whitehead Family Law Specialists Ltd New Zealand Law Society Public Defence Service Legal Aid Performance Review Committee Te Hau Awhiowhio Otangarei Trust Board Sentinel ChambersNew Zealand Government Empowers Police with Move-On Orders to Curb Public Disorder
1 month ago | 303 viewsThe New Zealand Government is amending the Summary Offences Act to grant police the power to issue move-on orders to individuals exhibiting disorderly or disruptive behavior, obstructing access to businesses, begging, or rough sleeping in public places. These orders will require individuals aged 14 or older to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours and move a reasonable distance away, aiming to enhance public safety and reduce disturbances in city centers. Police will assess each situation individually and collaborate with social and housing services to provide support where necessary.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Mark Mitchell New Zealand Government police powers Summary Offences Act public safety disorderly behaviour law and order police enforcementBrett Donald Tantrum Appointed High Court Judge in Auckland Effective March 2026
1 month ago | 298 viewsAttorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointment of Brett Donald Tantrum, an experienced Auckland barrister and solicitor, as a High Court Judge effective 30 March 2026. Justice Tantrum has extensive expertise in criminal law, including prosecuting serious offences such as homicide, organised crime, and sexual violence, and has served as a Principal Crown Prosecutor since 2017. His career includes roles at Meredith Connell, a professional exchange in Sydney, and involvement in criminal appeals and public law matters.
Tags: Judith Collins Brett Donald Tantrum Auckland University of Auckland Bell Gully Meredith Connell Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Crown Law Serious Fraud Office High Court JudgeEmployment Relations Amendment Bill Passed: Boosting Business Confidence & Worker Flexibility
1 month ago | 316 viewsThe Employment Relations Amendment Bill has passed its third reading, introducing reforms to enhance business confidence and create more job opportunities by clarifying contractor vs employee status and setting a $200,000 income threshold for unjustified dismissal claims. The Bill removes the 30-day rule to allow workers and employers to negotiate agreements from day one and ensures accountability for serious misconduct without rewarding employees financially. These changes aim to rebalance employment relations, providing more choice for businesses and workers, with most provisions taking effect immediately after Royal assent.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Employment Relations Amendment Bill Workplace Relations and Safety Minister employment law contractor vs employee unjustified dismissal employment agreements business confidence workplace reforms Royal assentNew Zealand Modernises Military Justice System with New Discipline Law Amendment Bill
2 months ago | 362 viewsThe Armed Forces Discipline Law Amendment Bill aims to modernize New Zealand’s military justice system by making it fairer, more efficient, and transparent, aligning it with civilian justice developments. It introduces a Minor Discipline Sanction System for low-level offenses, streamlines serious cases to Court Martial, enhances search powers with better protections, and expands rights such as trial by Court Martial and drug testing. These reforms ensure stronger discipline and operational readiness within the Armed Forces while upholding high standards for personnel.
Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Armed Forces Military Justice System Defence Minister Court Martial Director of Military Prosecutions Armed Forces Discipline Law Amendment Bill Minor Discipline Sanction System Bill of Rights ActJudith Collins Appointed President of NZ Law Commission, Will Leave Parliament in 2026
2 months ago | 465 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that Hon Judith Collins KC will be appointed President of the New Zealand Law Commission and will not stand as an MP in the 2026 election. Luxon praised Collins for her over two decades of dedicated public service, legal expertise, and leadership in various government roles. Collins will continue as an MP until her new position begins in mid-2026.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Judith Collins New Zealand Law Commission Sir Geoffrey Palmer New Zealand Parliament Minister Leader of the Opposition National Party Member of Parliament Hon Collins KC2026 Budget Preview: Focus on Core Services and Fiscal Responsibility
2 months ago | 413 viewsThe Government will present its 2026 Budget on 28 May, focusing on supporting core public services such as health care, education, defence, and law and order. Finance Minister Nicola Willis emphasizes tight control of discretionary spending, prioritizing limited commitments without excessive expenditure. The Budget aims to deliver savings and reprioritize existing funds to maintain essential services while restoring fiscal responsibility.
Tags: Government 2026 Budget Finance Minister Nicola Willis public services health care education defence law and order public financesNew Zealand 2026 General Election Set for November 7, PM Luxon Announces
2 months ago | 556 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the 2026 General Election will be held on Saturday, 7 November, providing certainty to New Zealanders and emphasizing the government's ongoing commitment to economic management and improving public services. He highlighted achievements such as reduced inflation, increased business confidence, improved law and order, and better educational outcomes under the National-led Government. The election timeline includes Parliament rising on 24 September, dissolution on 1 October, nominations closing on 8 October, advance voting starting 26 October, and writ return by 3 December.
Tags: Christopher Luxon New Zealand 2026 General Election Prime Minister National Party Free Trade Agreement India inflation law and orderJustice Committee Extends Arms Bill Submission Period – Have Your Say Now
4 months ago | 456 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 Parliament