Articles tagged with Goldsmith
New Firearms Licensing Review Committee Appointed to Boost Trust in NZ Regulation
12 hours ago | 77 viewsAssociate Justice Minister Nicole McKee welcomed the appointment of eight inaugural members to the Firearms Licensing Review Committee, established under the Arms Act 2026 to provide independent scrutiny of firearms licensing decisions. Chaired by District Court Judge Robert Spear, the committee brings diverse expertise in firearms, law, public safety, and community perspectives to ensure fair, consistent, and evidence-based licensing reviews without immediate court intervention. The members’ backgrounds reflect a strong connection to firearms ownership, regulatory experience, and community safety, enhancing trust and confidence in New Zealand’s firearms regulation system.
Tags: Nicole McKee Robert Spear Louise Christensen Gordon Davis Joe Green Mike Keefe Digby Livingston Melissa Jackson Tracey Wakeford Paul GoldsmithNew Zealand Passes Law to Shield Businesses from Climate Change Litigation
6 days ago | 115 viewsThe New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and protect business confidence. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and best addressed through national legislation, not court litigation, which risks creating contradictory legal regimes. The amendment maintains existing obligations under the Emissions Trading Scheme while reinforcing the government's commitment to a stable legal framework that supports investment and economic growth.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Climate Change Response Act 2002 High Court greenhouse gas emissions Climate Change Response Act Emissions Trading Scheme Government Parliament litigation tort lawNew Zealand Passes Law to Protect Businesses from Climate Change Litigation
6 days ago | 127 viewsThe New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and avoid conflicting court rulings. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and better managed through national legislation rather than litigation. Despite the amendment, businesses remain obligated to comply with existing emissions regulations under the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Climate Change Response Act 2002 greenhouse gas emissions High Court litigation tort law Emissions Trading Scheme Parliament Government business certaintyGovernment Launches Nationwide Car Clamping Operation for Unpaid Court Fines
1 week ago | 132 viewsThe government is intensifying efforts to enforce payment of overdue court fines by conducting a nationwide operation where bailiffs will scan parked cars to identify defaulters, with vehicles subject to clamping or seizure if payments are not arranged. Since trialling this technology in July last year, over 268,000 number plates have been scanned, resulting in more than $4.2 million recovered, numerous payments made on the spot, and hundreds of vehicles clamped, seized, or sold. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to law and order by ensuring fines and reparations are taken seriously.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Government court fines bailiffs car clamping reparations law and order number plate scanning vehicle seizure payment arrangementsNew Crimes Act Amendments Boost Retailer Arrest Powers and Toughen Penalties
2 weeks ago | 274 viewsThe Crimes Act Amendment Bill, recently passed in Parliament, enhances powers for businesses and citizens to detain and arrest offenders, introduces stronger penalties for retail crime, assaults on first responders, and coward punches, and strengthens trafficking laws. It expands citizens' arrest powers to intervene in any Crimes Act offence at any time, requires police notification and adherence to instructions, and clarifies the use of reasonable force and restraints during arrests. These measures aim to better protect retailers, first responders, and the public while addressing law and order issues before the upcoming election.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Crimes Act Amendment Bill Justice Minister retail crime first responders coward punches citizen’s arrest trafficking laws shoplifting infringementPublic Service Commission to Review Ministry of Justice Employment Case Handling
2 weeks ago | 230 viewsThe Public Service Commission will conduct a rapid review of the Ministry of Justice following serious mishandling of an employment case involving criminal proceedings over five years. Minister Paul Goldsmith has directed the Commission to provide firm guidance to all chief executives on managing such cases to ensure active and timely decision-making. He emphasized the need for fair but practical management to protect taxpayers' interests and prevent similar issues in the future.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Russell Harrison Andrew Kibblewhite Debbie Francis Steve Haszard Brian Roche Ministry of Justice Public Service Commission Justice Secretary Public Service CommissionerNew Crimes Act Bill Empowers Businesses to Arrest Shoplifters and Protect First Responders
3 weeks ago | 257 viewsThe Government's Crimes Act Amendment Bill aims to strengthen law and order by granting businesses expanded powers to detain and arrest offenders, introducing harsher penalties for retail crime, assaults on first responders, and coward punches. The legislation includes new specific offences, an enhanced shoplifting infringement regime, and clarifies citizens' arrest powers, allowing intervention at any time and the use of reasonable force. These changes are designed to better protect retailers, frontline workers, and the public while closing legal loopholes related to trafficking and people smuggling.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Crimes Act Amendment Bill retail crime first responders coward punches citizen’s arrest New Zealand Government trafficking laws shoplifting infringementKeren Blakey and Mandy Pattinson Join TVNZ Board to Boost Governance and Expertise
1 month ago | 337 viewsKeren Blakey and Mandy Pattinson have been appointed to the TVNZ Board to enhance governance and provide valuable expertise amid evolving media challenges. Blakey offers extensive financial and audit experience, including leadership roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Southern Cross Medical Care. Pattinson contributes over 20 years of media industry experience, with strengths in revenue generation, media law, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
Tags: Keren Blakey Mandy Pattinson Paul Goldsmith TVNZ Board PricewaterhouseCoopers Southern Cross Medical Care Media and Communications Audit and Risk Committee Media industry Media lawNew Zealand Invites Public Feedback on Digital Driver Licence Design
1 month ago | 326 viewsNew Zealand is advancing digital drivers’ licences, with public consultation underway to design a secure, privacy-focused system that offers a convenient alternative to physical licences. The government aims to create a simpler, integrated transport service allowing users to manage their licences and receive information online, emphasizing user confidence and optional adoption. Legislation enabling these changes has passed, and feedback is being sought over four weeks to ensure the system is safe, trusted, and widely accepted.
Tags: James Meager Paul Goldsmith digital drivers’ licences New Zealand Transport Agency public consultation digital driver licence verification Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Act privacy security New ZealandWaioweka Gorge SH2 Recovery Accelerates with $33M Investment in Resilience Works
2 months ago | 467 viewsRecovery efforts on State Highway 2’s Waioweka Gorge are accelerating following severe weather damage in January 2026, with contracts awarded for design, project management, and physical works to restore full road access and improve resilience. Key works include stabilizing the Goldsmith slip—where over 20,000 cubic meters of debris closed the route for weeks—installing rockfall barriers, upgrading culverts, and enhancing drainage to reduce future disruptions. The government has committed around $75 million in Budget 2026 for further resilience improvements along the corridor, targeting critical and high-risk sites identified through NZTA’s National Resilience Assessment Tool.
Tags: Chris Bishop Dana Kirkpatrick NZ Transport Agency Stellar Projects Beca Geovert Waiotahi Contractors Ltd Goldsmith slip Waioweka Gorge NZTA BoardNew Zealand Extends Copyright Protection for Iconic Songs and Kiwi Artists
3 months ago | 591 viewsThe New Zealand Government is extending copyright protection for music recordings from 50 to 70 years after publication to support Kiwi artists and align with international standards. This change, prioritized during New Zealand Music Month, ensures artists can continue earning from their work and protects both iconic classics and future creations. The updates, part of trade agreements with the UK and EU, must be implemented by May 2028, with further Copyright Act changes to be announced soon.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Cameron Brewer New Zealand Copyright Act Kiwi artists New Zealand Music Month I See Red April Sun in Cuba Gutter Black music recordingsNew Zealand Criminalizes Stalking with Up to 5 Years Prison Starting Tonight
3 months ago | 590 viewsStarting tonight, stalking becomes a criminal offense in New Zealand, punishable by up to five years in prison, signaling the government's commitment to addressing this harmful behavior. The new law defines stalking as a pattern of behavior likely to cause fear or distress, including acts such as following, contacting, damaging property, and doxing, with legal mechanisms like police notices and sentencing limits in place. This legislation responds to widespread advocacy and aims to protect victims, particularly women, from the serious emotional, psychological, and economic harm caused by stalking and harassment.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Justice Minister stalking harassment Crimes Legislation Amendment Act New Zealand victims sexual violence Justice Committee doxingNew Move-On Orders Give Police Power to Tackle Disorderly Public Behavior
3 months ago | 711 viewsLegislation granting Police the power to issue move-on orders to individuals displaying disorderly behaviour in public places has passed its first reading in Parliament, aiming to address disruptions in city centres. These orders target behaviours such as threatening conduct, obstructing business access, begging, and rough sleeping, requiring individuals to leave specified areas for up to 24 hours without criminalizing homelessness. The government emphasizes this measure is to restore safety and enjoyment in public spaces while maintaining support for those in need.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Police disorderly behaviour Parliament homelessness law and order public places city centres legislationBudget 2026: Transforming New Zealand’s Public Service for a More Affordable Future
3 months ago | 757 viewsThe Government Budget 2026 focuses on addressing New Zealand’s economic challenges through durable reforms aimed at affordability, fiscal responsibility, and improved public services rather than short-term spending. Key initiatives include streamlining government agencies, embracing digital and AI technologies, and reducing public service numbers to enhance efficiency and redirect savings toward health, education, infrastructure, and security. This strategic approach seeks to create a modern, productive public service, maintain balanced books, and build a resilient economy for a better and more affordable future.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Mark Carney Labour New Zealand Prime Minister Business North Harbour Kainga Ora Public Service Commission Ministry of Cities Government BudgetGovernment Overhauls Public Service to Boost Productivity and Save $2.4 Billion
3 months ago | 519 viewsThe New Zealand Government is undertaking a major public service overhaul to reduce the number of agencies, enhance digitisation including AI use, and restore public service numbers to historic levels, aiming to deliver $2.4 billion in savings over four years. This reform seeks to shift resources from administrative growth to frontline services, improve productivity, and provide better, more connected public services that avoid duplication and outdated processes. Savings from these changes will be reinvested in health, education, infrastructure, defence, and police, with progress monitored to ensure efficiency and value for money.
Tags: Nicola Willis Paul Goldsmith New Zealand public service government overhaul digitisation AI productivity public sector budget savings