Articles tagged with Paul
New Firearms Licensing Review Committee Appointed to Boost Trust in NZ Regulation
13 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
1 week 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
1 week 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 infringementHon Paul Davison Appointed Independent Redress Officer Under Abuse in Care Act
3 weeks ago | 232 viewsHon Paul Davison KC KSO has been appointed as the Independent Redress Officer for a five-year term starting 1 August 2026, tasked with determining financial redress applications from survivors of abuse in State care who are serious offenders, as well as exemption applications from terminally ill survivors. Hon Davison, a former High Court judge with extensive legal experience, has previously served in significant inquiry roles and developed a compassionate redress framework for survivors of abuse at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit. Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the importance of this independent role and thanked Hon Davison for accepting the position.
Tags: Paul Davison Erica Stanford Independent Redress Officer Redress System for Abuse in Care Act High Court judge Royal Commission of Inquiry Oakley Hospital Inquiry Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit financial redress applicationsPaul Collins Appointed New Judicial Conduct Commissioner in Auckland
4 weeks ago | 257 viewsAuckland barrister Paul Collins has been confirmed as the new Judicial Conduct Commissioner, succeeding retiring Alan Ritchie. With nearly 40 years of legal experience, Collins has specialised in legal profession regulation and professional disciplinary matters, practicing at Shortland Chambers since 2011. He will begin his role in the coming weeks after receiving a warrant from the Governor-General.
Tags: Paul Collins Chris Bishop Alan Ritchie Auckland Judicial Conduct Commissioner Glaister Ennor Shortland Chambers New Zealand Law SocietyPaul Collins Appointed New Judicial Conduct Commissioner in Auckland
4 weeks ago | 242 viewsAuckland barrister Paul Collins has been confirmed as the new Judicial Conduct Commissioner, succeeding retiring Alan Ritchie. Collins brings nearly 40 years of legal experience, specializing in legal profession regulation and professional disciplinary matters, with a background including senior roles at Glaister Ennor and Shortland Chambers. He will begin his appointment soon after receiving a warrant from the Governor-General.
Tags: Paul Collins Chris Bishop Alan Ritchie Auckland Judicial Conduct Commissioner Glaister Ennor Shortland Chambers New Zealand Law SocietyNew Waitangi Tribunal Members Nick Wells and Rick Witana Appointed
4 weeks ago | 279 viewsMāori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the appointments of Nick Wells and Rick Witana to the Waitangi Tribunal, replacing Dr Paul Hamer and Basil Morrison, who are stepping down after long service. Wells and Witana bring extensive expertise in governance, law, Iwi leadership, and Crown–Māori relationships, enhancing the Tribunal's work. Both new members will serve three-year terms, with Wells succeeding Hamer and Witana succeeding Morrison.
Tags: Tama Potaka Nick Wells Rick Witana Paul Hamer Basil Morrison Waitangi Tribunal Ngāpuhi UNICEF Aotearoa Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri Māori DevelopmentKeren 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 ZealandAeeden Boadita-Cormican Appointed New TAIC Commissioner Until 2031
1 month ago | 424 viewsAssociate Transport Minister James Meager announced Aeeden Boadita-Cormican as the new Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC), serving until May 2031. With over 35 years of legal experience and prior involvement in the transport sector, she has held significant roles including General Counsel at the Accident Compensation Corporation and governance positions in various organizations. Ms Boadita-Cormican replaces Bernadette Arapere and will work alongside the existing TAIC Commissioners to contribute her expertise and collaborative approach.
Tags: James Meager David Clarke Stephen Davies Howard Paula Rose Bernadette Arapere Transport Accident Investigation Commission Clifton Chambers Accident Compensation Corporation Southern Response Earthquake ServicesNew Zealand Social Housing Reform: Progress, Challenges, and Future Plans 2026
2 months ago | 485 viewsThe Government acknowledges the broken social housing system and housing crisis driven by unaffordable housing and planning barriers, committing to reforms focused on building the right homes for those most in need through initiatives like the Housing Investment System, Kāinga Ora Turnaround Plan, and Flexible Fund. Significant progress includes stabilizing house prices and rents, reducing Kāinga Ora's debt, increasing social housing stock, lowering financing barriers for Community Housing Providers, and establishing a data-driven Housing Investment Plan to target resources effectively. The ongoing Review of Social Housing aims to create a fairer, more efficient system by refocusing support on those most in need, improving incentives for tenant independence, and working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop sustainable, long-term solutions.
Tags: Paul Gilberd Damon Salesa James Palmer Kāinga Ora Ngāti Whātua Orakei Community Housing Aotearoa Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Ministry of Social Development Social Investment Agency Social Housing Review