Displaying 1 - 24 of 111 results.

Justice Minister, Judith Collins, and Trade Minister, Tim Groser, have welcomed the European Commission’s formal declaration that New Zealand privacy law provides an adequate standard of data protection for the purposes of European Union (EU) law.

European Union countries can now send personal data to New Zealand for processing without the need for extra controls.

Ms Collins says New Zealand is one of only five countries outside Europe to receive this level of recognition and trust and this is a vote of confidence in New Zealand’s privacy laws.

  • Tim Groser
  • Judith Collins
  • Trade
  • Justice

ACC Minister Judith Collins today announced changes to the ACC Board with the appointment of a new member, James Miller, and the resignation of a current member, Jane Huria.

“I am extremely pleased to announce the appointment of James Miller.

“Mr Miller’s background is in finance and investment and he has extensive experience as a board director in both the private and public sectors, including the Financial Markets Authority.

  • Judith Collins
  • ACC

Garry Denley of Auckland and John Gaukrodger of Hamilton have been reappointed and Nola Dangen of Auckland has been appointed as members of the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal, Justice Minister Judith Collins announced today.

The Tribunal was established under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 and hears charges, applications and appeals relating to the conduct of real estate agents.

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins today turned the first sod at the Manukau District Court construction site marking the start of the $40.6 million redevelopment project.

The redevelopment will include a new four story extension as well as extensive alterations and a complete refurbishment of the existing court building. When complete, the redevelopment will provide four new jury trial courtrooms with provision for further expansion.

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins has today released the reports by Canadian former judge Justice Ian Binnie, QC into David Bain’s application for compensation for wrongful conviction and imprisonment, and the Hon Dr Robert Fisher’s peer review of that report.

“Hon Dr Robert Fisher, QC has confirmed the report by former judge Justice Ian Binnie, QC is flawed and would not withstand scrutiny.

“Mr Bain has asked the Government, on behalf of New Zealanders, to consider his claim for compensation.

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

The Government is introducing a range of incentives to help business owners focus on improved safety management and make work places safer, ACC Minister Judith Collins says.

New Motor Vehicle Account levy classes for goods and service vehicles will better reflect the risks posed by heavier trucks that will now be levied by weight, as well as by fuel type. 

“It’s important that we recognise some forms of transport pose higher safety risks, and should attract a levy rate that reflects that risk.

  • Judith Collins
  • ACC

The Government has decided to keep ACC levies in the Work and Earners’ Accounts unchanged for 2013/2014, ACC Minister Judith Collins announced today.

“This Government is committed to rebuilding ACC’s long-term sustainability, so we can invest in its systems, its people and the services it delivers on behalf of all New Zealanders.

“That means making sustainable change over time, and reducing levies over a longer-term framework,” Ms Collins says.

  • Judith Collins
  • ACC

A Bill to ensure victims of crime can continue to seek a share of compensation received by prisoners passed its first reading in Parliament last night.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Continuation and Reform) Amendment Bill makes permanent the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims Act 2005, which will expire in July next year.

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

Legislation overhauling New Zealand’s out dated alcohol laws has passed its final reading in Parliament today.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says new laws for the sale and supply of alcohol mark a major milestone.

“For the first time in more than two decades Parliament has acted to restrict, rather than relax, our drinking laws.

“This Government has delivered for New Zealand a wide range of measures to reduce alcohol-related harm in our families and communities.

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

Concerns with former Canadian judge, Justice Ian Binnie’s report into David Bain’s claim for compensation for wrongful conviction and imprisonment show peer review is needed, Justice Minister Judith Collins says.

“After reviewing the report prepared by Justice Binnie in September, I was concerned with some aspects of it. With the consent of the Attorney-General, I received advice from the Solicitor-General on the report. Following this advice, I decided the report should be peer reviewed. I commissioned Hon Robert Fisher, QC to do this.

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins has joined with representatives of 48 countries in Brussels at the Ministerial launch of the Global Alliance against child sexual abuse online.

The Global Alliance aims to eliminate legal loopholes exploited by the distributors of child abuse material, strengthen efforts to grow the Interpol international database of child abuse material, and make it easier to initiate joint cross-border police investigations.

“Online sexual abuse of children knows no borders and child pornography circulates easily across countries.

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins has today spoken to women at The Ethnic Women's Leadership Programme in Auckland about the importance of making the most of every opportunity offered to them in New Zealand.

"Our country has an excellent reputation when it comes to women being treated as equals," Ms Collins said.

  • Judith Collins
  • Ethnic Affairs

Justice Minister Judith Collins leaves tomorrow for a week-long trip to Hong Kong and Brussels.

In Hong Kong, Minister Collins will meet her public sector counterparts at the Government Office, including the Secretary for Justice and the Chief Justice of the Final Court of Appeal.

“I look forward to discussing some of the justice issues we are currently facing with my colleagues, such as extradition, financial crime, privacy law reform and how we can mutually assist each other to address these,” Ms Collins says.

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins has welcomed the signing of an MOU between the Office of Ethnic Affairs and the New Zealand Institute of Management (NZIM) to improve the management of our ethnically diverse workplaces.

Ms Collins says the agreement will help New Zealand businesses to manage and promote ethnic diversity in the workplace more effectively.

“New Zealand’s diversity is a very positive force. It has helped us create connections that span the globe, broadened our horizons and enhanced our entrepreneurial spirit,” Ms Collins says.

  • Judith Collins
  • Ethnic Affairs

Justice Minister Judith Collins has today introduced legislation to Parliament to modernise the family justice system and make it more accessible to those who need it most.

Ms Collins says the Family Court Proceedings Reform Bill is the first important step to creating a modern and accessible family justice system that is more focused on the needs of children and vulnerable people.

“It is important to concentrate on putting the needs of children first, and our reforms will support parents to resolve their simple parenting and relationship issues outside court.

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins today tabled in Parliament the Law Commission’s report Review of the Judicature Act 1908: Towards a New Courts Act.

The Judicature Act forms part of New Zealand’s constitution and is one of the oldest pieces of legislation on our statute books. It provides much of the legislative foundation for the higher courts of New Zealand, including the Court of Appeal.

“We are focussed on creating a modern, accessible and people-centred justice system.

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins has congratulated the Office of Ethnic Affairs (OEA) team for its innovative new website at  www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz.

“The new website is an excellent example of how agencies can harness new technologies and social media to educate, inform and connect ethnic Kiwis,” Ms Collins says.

  • Judith Collins
  • Ethnic Affairs

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins says tomorrow’s inaugural Association of South East Asian Nations Festival is a welcome addition to New Zealand’s cultural calendar.

“The ASEAN Festival gives us great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the significant contribution our Southeast Asian neighbours make to our nation,” Ms Collins says. 

  • Judith Collins
  • Ethnic Affairs

Justice Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the passing of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Amendment Bill to amend the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006.

Ms Collins says the principal set of amendments to the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 restores the rank of Queen’s Counsel.

“I am very pleased the rank of Queen’s Counsel has been restored, recognising the special relationship with the Crown for New Zealand’s pre-eminent law practitioners.

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

The sharing of criminal history information between Queensland and New Zealand will be extended following a successful six month trial.

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins today announced that Mainzeal Property and Construction Ltd has been appointed as the main construction contractor to carry out the $40.6 million redevelopment of the Manukau District Court.

“This is one of the largest single investments the District Court network has seen in some years and will provide a solid foundation for the future property needs of the Auckland region,” Ms Collins said.  

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins says comments made by Labour’s Charles Chauvel show he has little understanding or empathy for the reality of on-going intimidation and harassment experienced by vulnerable victims of serious and violent sexual offending.

“Mr Chauvel’s comments show a concerning disregard for victims of serious sexual and violent crimes. 

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice

ACC Minister Judith Collins has today announced Mr Paul Searancke has been appointed to the role of interim Chair of the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (MSAC).

Mr Searancke replaces Dr Gareth Morgan, Chair of the Council since its inception in January 2011, who has stepped down to focus on other commitments.

  • Judith Collins
  • ACC

Justice Minister Judith Collins has marked the first hearings at the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment (AODT) Court pilot sitting in Auckland and Waitakere District Courts today.

  • Judith Collins
  • Justice