Articles tagged with Laws

New Zealand Arms Bill Introduced: Strengthening Firearms Laws and Public Safety

3 weeks ago | 164 views

The Government has introduced the Arms Bill to Parliament to modernize New Zealand’s firearms laws, enhancing public safety while easing regulatory burdens on licensed owners. Key reforms include updating offences, disqualifying gang members from holding licences, creating an independent Firearms Regulatory Agency, and addressing emerging technologies like 3D printing. The Bill fulfills the ACT-National coalition’s commitment to rewrite the Arms Act 1983 and will undergo a six-month select committee process for public input.

Tags: Nicole McKee Arms Bill New Zealand firearms laws Firearms Regulatory Agency Firearms Licensing Review Committee Parliament Firearms Prohibition Orders 3D printing

NZ Government Ahead of Violent Crime Reduction Target One Year After Tough Gang Laws

1 month ago | 172 views

The Government is exceeding its violent crime reduction target, with 147,000 victims of serious violent crime reported in the past year, 38,000 fewer than when they took office. Tough gang laws introduced a year ago have significantly contributed to this decline by targeting gang-related crime, resulting in numerous seizures and convictions. Ministers emphasize their commitment to law and order, highlighting police efforts and the disproportionate gang involvement in serious violent crime despite their small population size.

Tags: Paul Goldsmith Mark Mitchell New Zealand violent crime gang laws Gangs Act 2024 Ministry of Justice Police crime reduction criminal justice system

New Zealand Biosecurity Laws Strengthened to Safeguard Economy

2 months ago | 257 views

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard highlights the importance of strengthening New Zealand's biosecurity laws to protect against invasive pests and diseases, supporting economic growth in the food and fibre sector, which contributes significantly to the country's GDP. The proposed changes aim to enhance biosecurity defenses, with penalties for failing to declare risk goods at the border, improved management of pests and diseases, and more efficient import rules to support trade while maintaining high biosecurity standards. The Minister emphasizes the need to prevent incursions to safeguard New Zealand's competitive advantage in the global food and fibre export industry, with a draft bill reflecting these changes expected to progress through Parliament in the near future.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister New Zealand biosecurity laws invasive pests economic growth food and fibre sector GDP pests and diseases export industry

Government Strengthens Laws Against Trafficking and People Smuggling to Ensure Accountability and Justice

4 months ago | 644 views

The Government is strengthening trafficking and people smuggling laws to hold criminals accountable and address the low prosecution rates for trafficking cases. The reforms aim to make it easier to prosecute offenders, particularly in cases involving victims under 18, by removing the need to prove coercion or deception. The changes also focus on preventing the smuggling of migrants using fraudulent travel documents and enhancing protection for undercover Police investigating child exploitation cases.

Tags: Government trafficking people smuggling laws criminals Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith victims prosecution consequences

Government to Revamp Electoral Laws for Efficiency and Transparency

5 months ago | 845 views

The Government is updating electoral laws to address issues with same-day enrolment, aiming to streamline the voting process and reduce post-election timeframes. Key changes include closing enrolment 13 days before election day, implementing 12 days of advance voting, and introducing automatic enrolment updates. Other adjustments involve stricter rules on treating near voting places, adjusting the donation reporting threshold, and various procedural changes to enhance the electoral system.

Tags: Government electoral laws enrolment advance voting Electoral Commission Paul Goldsmith Justice Minister donation threshold party donors Constitution Act 1986

Legislation Amendment Bill Enhances Access to Law and Government Services

5 months ago | 996 views

A bill to improve access to secondary legislation and digitize government services has passed its first reading, aiming to make legislation easier to find and comply with. Attorney-General Judith Collins highlights the importance of high-quality legislation that is easy to understand and use. The bill standardizes publication practices for secondary legislation and includes the redevelopment of the New Zealand legislation website to provide a one-stop shop for all legislation matters.

Tags: Judith Collins Legislation Amendment Bill secondary legislation regulations orders rules exemptions bylaws notices instruments

Government Strengthens Trespass Laws to Safeguard Businesses: Proposed Changes and Impact Explained

6 months ago | 1154 views

The Government is strengthening trespass laws to make them more effective and practical for businesses, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say. “We know our trespass laws are no longer fit for purpose. They’re difficult to enforce and often criminals take no notice.

Tags: Government trespass laws businesses Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee law and order community properties offenders Retail MAG