Support for unconsented emergency building measures

The New Zealand Law Society says it supports unconsented building work by territorial authorities in certain emergency and life-threatening situations, saying that ultimately the risk to life should outweigh the need to obtain building and/or resource consents. The Law Society has released its comments to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and…

Offshore land purchase tax bill timing potentially disruptive

Contractual arrangements entered into before the parties knew of the proposed new tax statement requirements could be significantly disruptive under the current timing provisions of the Taxation (Land Information and Offshore Persons Information) Bill, the New Zealand Law Society says. In a submission to the Finance and Expenditure select committee on…

Dianne Sara Lester admits conduct charges

Wellington solicitor Dianne Lester has admitted six charges before the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. The charges comprised one of misconduct, four of unsatisfactory conduct and one of negligence reflecting on fitness to practise or bringing the profession into disrepute. Ms Lester's offending occurred while she was acting for a…

Special advocate possible in some exceptional national security proceedings

The New Zealand Law Society says the protection of national security could sometimes justify the use of a special advocate as a last resort in some cases where national security information is kept from affected parties. The Law Society has released its comments on the Law Commission Issues Paper National Security Information in Proceedings. The Law Commission…

Time to speak out on Nauru situation, says Law Society

The rule of law is seriously under threat in Nauru and the Nauruan government’s recent actions need to be highlighted, the New Zealand Law Society says. “The Law Society considers it is time to speak out because democracy is quickly vanishing in one of New Zealand’s Pacific neighbours,” Law Society Rule…

Kenneth Yee struck off roll

Former Auckland lawyer Kenneth Yee has been struck off the roll of barristers and solicitors by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. The tribunal found that Mr Yee had misused client funds in two ways. As a law firm employee he diverted $95,706 of fees to companies he was…

Andrew Pine suspended from legal practice

Former Wellington solicitor Andrew Pine has admitted a charge of misconduct and been suspended by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal for four months from 26 June 2015.  Mr Pine self-reported his misconduct to the New Zealand Law Society. This included inserting a false date on a family trust…

Choosing a Lawyer: Invitation to complete our short survey

The New Zealand Law Society is looking at the ways in which people choose a lawyer to act for them. Visitors to our website are invited to complete a short (5-minute) survey from their own experiences.  The survey looks at what influenced people in choosing a lawyer and the sort of information…

Amendment needed to maintain accuracy of NZBN Register

Without a requirement for businesses to maintain the accuracy of their information on the New Zealand Business Number Register, there is a danger that the Register will become out of date, the New Zealand Law Society says. In a submission on the New Zealand Business Number Bill, the Law Society says…

Time-blocking judicial lists supported where appropriate

The New Zealand Law Society says it supports extending time-blocking of Judge and Community Magistrates lists across District Courts, where the particular court considers it appropriate for its size and nature. The Law Society has provided the Ministry of Justice with feedback from criminal practitioners following a ministry request about the…