Law Society addresses Select Committee on Plant Variety Rights Bill

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa addressed the Economic Development, Science and Innovation select committee on a bill to modernise the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987 and implement Treaty obligations in relation to the plant variety rights regime and New Zealand’s obligations under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for…

Law Society responds to discussion document on incitement of hatred and discrimination

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa was one of the record-breaking number of submissions filed in response to the government’s discussion document on proposals against incitement of hatred and discrimination. The Law Society’s submission was prepared by the Criminal Law and Human Rights and Privacy Committees,…

Law Society welcomes proposed reforms to improve access to civil justice

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa has provided feedback to the Rules Committee on a ‘once in a generation’ reform of New Zealand’s court processes and litigation culture. The proposed changes are designed to improve access to justice by reducing the cost of bringing a…

Court of Appeal hears case regarding the legality of New Zealand’s COVID-19 response

Earlier this week, the Court of Appeal heard a constitutionally significant appeal which challenged the New Zealand Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Law Society calls for careful review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa appeared before the Justice select committee today to present its submission on the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill, which was introduced as part of the Government’s initial response to the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack…

Law Society makes recommendations to improve Bill which seeks to facilitate access to pro bono legal services

The Law Society appeared before the Justice select committee today on the Lawyers and Conveyancers (Employed Lawyers Providing Free Legal Services) Amendment Bill, which seeks to allow employed lawyers to provide free legal services, other than for their employer.

Law Society warns of potential impact on mental health patients’ rights

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa has told a parliamentary select committee that proposed amendments to extend the use of audio-visual links in mental health proceedings on a permanent basis need to be reconsidered.

Law Society submission on the review of Succession Law

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa has made a submission on the Law Commission Issue Paper ‘Review of Succession Law: Rights to a person’s property on death’. 

Remedial tax legislation – a proactive solution put to Inland Revenue

We recently wrote to Inland Revenue to highlight problems, including extensive delays, in progressing remedial tax legislation, and to advocate a low-cost and effective solution – the establishment of a remedials advisory panel to process and prioritise remedials.

Law Society welcomes select committee recommendation to withdraw youth justice demerit point Bill

The Social Services and Community Select Committee has recommended the Oranga Tamariki (Youth Justice Demerit Points) Amendment Bill not proceed.