Law Society disagrees with IRD view of horse racing treatment

The New Zealand Law Society says it does not agree with Inland Revenue's view on the tax treatment of racing syndicates or partnerships. The Law Society has provided its comments on IRD's Question We've Been Asked - Goods and Services Tax - Whether a Racing Syndicate or Partnership Can be a…

Remember that Wellington lawyers still finding it tough: Kathryn Beck

Lawyers around New Zealand are reminded that there are members of the legal profession in the Wellington region who are still experiencing work access and other logistical problems because of Monday morning’s force 7.8 earthquake, New Zealand Law Society President Kathryn Beck says. “While the focus is obviously on Kaikoura and…

Rushed changes to electoral legislation fall short

The New Zealand Law Society is concerned that changes to electoral legislation in preparation for the 2017 general election are being rushed through without reasonable opportunity for public input. The Law Society has presented its submission on the Electoral Amendment Bill to the Justice and Electoral select committee. Law Society  spokesperson, David Cochrane…

Proposed changes to ACC review costs "insufficient"

A proposal to increase the amount clients of ACC can claim in costs incurred during dispute resolution processes doesn’t go far enough, says the New Zealand Law Society. In a discussion document called Consultation on Changes to the Injury Prevention (Review Costs and Appeals) Regulations 2002, the Ministry of Business, Innovation…

FMA Conduct Guide useful, but clearer description of purpose needed

The Financial Market Authority's Guide to the FMA's View of Conduct is a useful document for directors and licensed financial service providers, the New Zealand Law Society says. However, in its comments on the Guide, the Law Society says it is important that it provides a clearer description of its purpose…

Alcohol interlock sentence proposals could create anomalies: NZ Law Society

Proposals in the Land Transport Amendment Bill to change alcohol interlock disqualification sentences could create legal anomalies, says the New Zealand Law Society. The Bill aims to make alcohol interlock sentences mandatory for serious and repeat drink-drivers. Drivers who have two or more drink-driving convictions within five years, and first-time offenders…

New Zealand Law Society opposes proposed changes to Privacy Act

The New Zealand Law Society says the Privacy Act already enables government agencies to verify individuals’ identities for law enforcement purposes and that proposed changes to the Act are not needed. The Law Society has presented its submission on the Enhancing Identity Verification and Border Processes Legislation Bill to the Law…

Law Society magazine LawTalk celebrates 900th issue

LawTalk, the fortnightly New Zealand Law Society magazine, hits a milestone today by celebrating its 900th issue. The magazine for the legal profession first went to print in 1974 and has a circulation of over 13,000, going to New Zealand-based lawyers, judges, legal executives, members of Parliament and others involved in…

Law Society supports New Zealand Intelligence and Security Bill, but says safeguards could go further

The New Zealand Law Society believes legislation to improve the transparency and oversight of New Zealand’s intelligence and security agencies is a positive development, but recommends strengthening some of the proposed safeguards to enhance public confidence. The Law Society presented its submission on the New Zealand Intelligence and Security Bill today…

Tribunal declines to censure lawyer after self-reporting

Auckland lawyer Lisa Tregenza has admitted a charge of unsatisfactory conduct before the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal after self-reporting her conduct to the New Zealand Law Society's Lawyers Complaints Service. Ms Tregenza was fined $5,000, ordered to pay the Law Society costs of $4,000 and to reimburse hearing…