Articles tagged with Paul

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to Host Matariki 2026 with Theme "For Everyone

3 days ago | 56 views

The Government has announced Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei in Auckland as the host iwi for next year’s national Matariki broadcast, with the theme "Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone." This event aims to unite all people in celebrating the Māori New Year, highlighting the unique cultural significance of the Auckland region. Matariki remains a time for reflection, celebration, and preparation, honoring loved ones and looking forward to the new year.

Tags: Matariki Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Paul Goldsmith Auckland Māori New Year Matariki Herenga Waka Arts Culture and Heritage New Zealand whānau

Government Introduces Stronger Penalties for Assaults, Coward Punches, and Retail Crime

5 days ago | 75 views

The Government’s Crimes Amendment Bill introduces stronger penalties for assaults on first responders, coward punches, human trafficking, and retail crime to ensure criminals face real consequences and protect victims. It establishes new specific offences, enhances citizen’s arrest powers, and implements a new shoplifting infringement regime to address ongoing challenges in law and order. The legislation aims to be passed before the next election, fulfilling commitments made in the National-New Zealand First coalition agreement.

Tags: Crimes Amendment Bill Paul Goldsmith first responders coward punches human trafficking retail crime citizen’s arrest shoplifting infringement prison officers

Lieutenant General Rhys Jones Appointed Chair of National War Memorial Advisory Council

6 days ago | 46 views

Lieutenant General Rhys Jones has been appointed chair of the National War Memorial Advisory Council, bringing extensive military and governance experience from his 35-year Defence Force career and leadership roles in various organizations. He succeeds Fiona Cassidy and will serve until November 30, 2028. Additionally, Staff Sergeant Tina Grant and Colonel (Retired) Roger Howard have been reappointed as Council members with terms ending in 2028 and 2026, respectively.

Tags: Rhys Jones Paul Goldsmith Fiona Cassidy Tina Grant Roger Howard New Zealand Defence Force National War Memorial Advisory Council Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association Great War Exhibition Australasian Fire Authorities Council

Christina Barton and Jamie Tuuta Appointed to Te Papa Board by Minister Goldsmith

6 days ago | 58 views

Christina Barton and Jamie Tuuta have been appointed to the Te Papa Board, bringing extensive expertise in art history, curation, and Māori leadership. Barton has held prominent roles in major New Zealand art institutions, while Tuuta has over 20 years of governance experience across various sectors related to Māori development. Additionally, David Wilks has been reappointed to the board, and outgoing members Jackie Lloyd and Tama Waipara were thanked for their service.

Tags: Christina Barton Jamie Tuuta Paul Goldsmith David Wilks Jackie Lloyd Tama Waipara Te Papa Board Adam Art Gallery Victoria University of Wellington Māori leader

New Appointments Announced to New Zealand Public Health Advisory Committee 2025

1 week ago | 116 views

Health Minister Simeon Brown announced new appointments to the Public Health Advisory Committee, including Dr. Caroline McElnay as Chair and Professor Peter Crampton as Deputy Chair, along with new members Professor Paula Lorgelly, Associate Professor Kaaren Mathias, and Professor Matire Harwood. The Committee provides independent advice to the Government on public health issues and strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders. Members will serve two- or three-year terms starting 1 December 2025, supporting the Government's commitment to accessible, quality public health services and prevention-focused care.

Tags: Simeon Brown Caroline McElnay Peter Crampton Paula Lorgelly Kaaren Mathias Matire Harwood

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

2 weeks ago | 85 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 Makes Stalking a Criminal Offence with Up to 5 Years Prison

2 weeks ago | 111 views

New 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 Police

New Zealand Introduces Stalking Offence with Up to 5 Years Imprisonment

2 weeks ago | 126 views

Parliament 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 Police

New Zealand Passes New Law to Combat Foreign Interference and Protect Security

2 weeks ago | 101 views

New Zealand has passed the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill to strengthen protections against deceptive, corruptive, or coercive foreign interference. The legislation creates new offences criminalizing foreign interference and updates espionage-related laws to safeguard national security. While encouraging transparent diplomatic and lobbying activities, the law aims to hold accountable those engaging in covert or harmful foreign influence.

Tags: New Zealand Paul Goldsmith foreign interference legislation Parliament Crimes Amendment Bill espionage government information security defence

New Zealand Passes Law to Combat Foreign Interference and Protect Security

2 weeks ago | 106 views

New Zealand has passed the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill to better protect the country from deceptive, corruptive, or coercive foreign activities aimed at manipulating society. The legislation creates new offences specifically criminalizing foreign interference and updates existing laws related to espionage and wrongful communication of government information. While normal diplomatic and transparent engagements remain unaffected, the government emphasizes that foreign interference will no longer be tolerated.

Tags: Paul Goldsmith New Zealand foreign interference legislation Parliament Crimes Amendment Bill espionage criminal law government security

Government's Comprehensive Action Plan to Combat Methamphetamine Harm in New Zealand

4 weeks ago | 142 views

The 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 Chhour

Hon. Justice Timothy Brewer Appointed as New Inspector-General of Defence, Natalie Pierce as Deputy

1 month ago | 132 views

The 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 Security

Ngāti Paoa Treaty Settlement: Historic Resolution After 14-Year Negotiation

1 month ago | 146 views

The Crown has settled 14 years of negotiations with Ngāti Paoa, acknowledging historical breaches including raupatu and land laws impacting the iwi's development. The settlement includes a financial redress of $23.5 million, cultural redress with 12 significant sites, and agreements with Crown agencies. Ngāti Paoa's engagement in the legislative process and hope for a thriving future were highlighted during the final reading in Parliament.

Tags: Paul Goldsmith Ngāti Paoa Treaty of Waitangi Crown Raupatu Te Tiriti o Waitangi Pūkorokoro Ngāti Pāoa Waikato Ngāti Paoa

Dr Shane Reti Announces New Appointments to Pacific Business Trust and Centre for Pacific Languages Boards

1 month ago | 218 views

Dr Shane Reti has made new appointments to the Pacific Business Trust Board and the Centre for Pacific Languages Board, with Uluomato’otua Saulaulu Aiono appointed as Chair of the Pacific Business Trust Board. Nora Swann and Lanuola Moe-Penn have also joined the Board. Eli Tagi and Dr Rae Si’ilata were reappointed to the Centre for Pacific Language Board, with Dr Polu Apollo Taito as a new member. Dr Reti emphasizes the importance of these organizations in driving economic growth and preserving cultural identity. The appointed individuals bring diverse expertise and community connections to their respective boards, acknowledging the contributions of outgoing members.

Tags: Shane Reti Uluomato’otua Saulaulu Aiono Nora Swann Eli Tagi Rae Si’ilata Polu Apollo Taito Paul Retimanu Jean Mitaera

NZ Disputes Tribunal Doubles Financial Jurisdiction for Quicker, Affordable Civil Cases

1 month ago | 238 views

The 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 respondent