Alert Level 2 restrictions announced

Alert Level 2 will see significantly more activity open up across the country requiring New Zealanders to play it safe and remain vigilant so the virus doesn’t bounce back, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced. On Monday, May 11, the Government will make a decision on whether to move to Level…

International report highlights COVID-related risks to ML/FT

Risk of crimes, including fraud, cybercrime, misdirection or exploitation of government funds or international financial assistance are at heightened levels due to the pandemic, the Financial Action Task Force says. The international money laundering and terrorism financing watchdog reports the risks associated with ML/FT and identifies challenges, good practices and policy…

Government releases Cannabis Bill draft for referendum

The Exposure Draft for the referendum on the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill has been released, the Minister of Justice has announced. Two different referendums are intended to accompany this year’s General Election, which is due to take place on 19 September. A vote on the End of Life Choice Act…

COVID response and immigration bills introduced

The Government has introduced two bills to Parliament in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Legislation Bill is an omnibus bill which introduces amendments that will assist New Zealand to respond to the wide-ranging effects of COVID-19, including changes to enable businesses, local government, and others…

Furniture ad playing on pandemic ruled insensitive

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled that an ad using the term ‘Viral sale’ was insensitive and irresponsible during a pandemic. The email and website advertisements for Ikea furniture importer Idiya said: “Spread the Savings during the Lockdown” VIRAL SALE. Refer a friend and get 10% savings. Further spread the savings…

Fast-track consenting to get shovel-ready projects moving

The Government has announced a law change that will fast track eligible development and infrastructure projects under the Resource Management Act to help get New Zealand moving again. Environment Minister David Parker says the types of projects which would benefit from quicker consenting included roading, walking and cycling, rail, housing, sediment…

More than 300 human rights enquiries and complaints related to COVID-19 submitted

The Human Rights Commission has received 311 enquiries and complaints related to the COVID-19 pandemic up to 5 May 2020. “Human rights demand that measures taken during a national emergency are lawful, proportionate, fair, just, non-discriminatory, and subject to independent scrutiny,” says Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner, Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo. “As a nation, we have human rights duties to our whanau, neighbours, workers, and wider communities. We must continue…

“In the presence of” change: new ways of working

Much has been said about how things will change, and how much will have changed, when we come out the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions. Here I will take a look at the impact on remote working and signing off on work. Remote workingThe obvious change will be…

Education consultant gets home detention for $150,000 fraud

A former employee of the tertiary education provider Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi has been sentenced to nine months’ home detention for receiving about $150,000 in kickbacks. The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) says Katherine Tuhakaraina (60) has been sentenced in the Tauranga District Court on one representative charge of ‘Receiving secret…

New District Court Judge appointed

Joanne (Jo) Rielly has been appointed a District Court Judge with jury jurisdiction to be based in Nelson, Attorney-General David Parker has announced. Judge Rielly will replace recently retired Judge David Ruth. Judge Rielly is a partner with Elvidge and Partners, Office of the Crown Solicitor for Napier and Gisborne, having joined…