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Associate Justice Minister Chester Borrows today announced the opening of applications to a new Government initiative that will make funding available for fresh new approaches to reducing offending by young people.

The new fund, part of the Government’s Youth Crime Action Plan, will provide grants to groups and organisations with innovative ideas for reducing youth crime.

“The way we work with communities on youth justice is a key part of the Action Plan,” says Mr Borrows.

Key features of the Government’s alcohol reforms come into force this week and provide a strong platform to help drive change in New Zealand’s drinking culture, Justice Minister Judith Collins says.

“For the first time in more than two decades the Government is acting to restrict, rather than relax, our drinking laws. These changes strike a sensible balance between curbing the harm alcohol abuse can cause, without penalising responsible drinkers.

A Bill modernising rules around Royal succession to the throne has passed its third and final reading in Parliament today.

The Royal Succession Bill puts in place changes that were agreed in 2011 by the 16 Realms who share the Queen as Head of State. All Realms, including New Zealand, must have the same succession laws.

“These changes are positive for New Zealand’s system of government. This Bill improves and modernises the rules of succession and helps ensure the monarchy remains relevant to our modern society,” Ms Collins says.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has announced the reappointment of Hon Sir Hugh Williams QC as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for a term of three years.

“Sir Hugh continues to provide the Commission with very able legal leadership and I’m pleased he has agreed to continue to serve in this important office,” Ms Collins says.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has announced Wellington lawyer John Edwards as the new Privacy Commissioner.

Mr Edwards will replace Ms Marie Shroff, CNZM, CVO who has completed two five year terms in the role.

“Mr Edwards’ public and private sector experience gives him a highly informed perspective on data privacy and data matching issues. He is an acknowledged privacy expert and has a broad, practical understanding of the Privacy Act,” Ms Collins says.

New proposals to increase the monetary threshold of Disputes Tribunals will allow more people to resolve common disagreements over issues such as goods, services and property damage more quickly and easily.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the proposals will allow Disputes Tribunals to deal with claims of $30,000 or less. Currently, individuals and businesses with civil claims can go to a Disputes Tribunal if the disputed amount is $15,000 or less; or up to $20,000 if all parties agree.

A Bill modernising the 100-year old law underpinning New Zealand’s courts has passed its first reading in Parliament today.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the Judicature Modernisation Bill supports this Government’s commitment to delivering a 21st century justice system.

“We live in an era where people can shop, bank and pay bills online – it’s about time we look at how routine court matters can be handled more efficiently to bring justice up to speed,” Ms Collins says. 

An embarrassing middle-aged Dad trying to impress his teenager’s friends by supplying them alcohol features in a new publicity campaign to remind people of new laws about supplying alcohol to under-18 year olds.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the campaign, developed by the Health Promotion Agency (HPA), relates to law changes this month around social supply of alcohol to under-18s.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has welcomed the first reading of world-leading legislation to stop cyber bullies in their tracks.

The Harmful Digital Communications Bill introduces a range of measures to address damaging online communications and ensure perpetrators are held to account for their actions.

“Countries around the world are grappling with the challenges presented by increased communications within the cyber-sphere,” Ms Collins says.

New Zealand had been ranked the least corrupt country in the world for the eighth year running, Justice Minister Judith Collins says.

Transparency International’s Corruption Perception index released today ranked New Zealand first, equal with Denmark, out of 176 countries for having the lowest perception of corruption in the public sector.

“One of New Zealand’s biggest assets internationally is its reputation for being corruption free,” Ms Collins says. 

A new bill introduced to Parliament today will help modernise the law underpinning New Zealand’s courts so they better meet public expectations for 21st century services.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the Judicature Modernisation Bill aims to bring the outdated law governing our courts up to speed, improve the transparency of court and judicial processes and enhance public trust and confidence in the justice system.

Justice Minister Judith Collins today announced improvements to the Evidence Act that will make appearing in court less traumatic for victims of sexual violence and child witnesses.

“It’s always difficult for victims of sexual violence to come forward to bring their attacker to justice – we want to ensure that when they do come forward they know what to expect in the courtroom,” Ms Collins says.

A Bill that increases the penalties for making, trading or possessing child exploitation material passed its first reading in Parliament today.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the Objectionable Publications and Indecency Legislation Bill delivers this Government’s commitment to protecting children from exploitation.

“We’re targeting criminals who prey on children, either by feeding the supply or fuelling the demand for the insidious underground child sexual abuse market,” Ms Collins says.

A Bill to cut back on unnecessary parole hearings for offenders who still pose a threat to the community has passed its first reading in Parliament.

The Parole Amendment Bill will amend the Parole Act 2002. Justice Minister Judith Collins says the change will implement the Government’s Post-Election Action Plan to reduce the number of unnecessary parole hearings where the offender has little prospect of release.

Justice Minister Judith Collins today welcomed Transparency International New Zealand’s evaluation of our nation’s governance and anti-corruption efforts.

Ms Collins launched key findings from the National Integrity Study (NIS) Assessment tonight, at the annual general meeting of Transparency International’s New Zealand arm.

“New Zealand consistently ranks as the least corrupt country on Transparency International’s corruption perceptions index,” Ms Collins says.

Judith Collins will attend the APEC Women’s Leadership Forum in China this week – ‘Championing innovation through inclusive leadership’.

The Forum, hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, brings leaders in politics, business and civil society together to discuss current challenges and opportunities facing professional women.

“It’s an honour to be invited to this year’s APEC Women Leaders Forum,” Ms Collins says.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says Andrew Little’s claim that the Government introduced the Harmful Digital Communications Bill in response to recent allegations of sexual predatory behaviour is wrong.

“In May 2012 I asked the Law Commission to fast-track its recommendations for reducing the harm caused by cyber bullying as part of its broader review of media regulation.

“In August 2012 this Government welcomed the Commission’s report on new media outlining recommendations to address cyber bullying.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has welcomed the first reading in Parliament of a bill strengthening the role and structure of the Human Rights Commission. 

The Human Rights Amendment Bill amends the Human Rights Act 1993 to change the composition, governance arrangements, functions and powers of the Commission.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the introduction of a new Bill to Parliament today aims to stop cyber bullies in their tracks.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the introduction of a new Bill to Parliament today aims to stop cyber bullies in their tracks.

“No longer is bullying confined to the classroom or playground – the digital age has meant tormenters can harass their target anywhere, at any time and the trails of abuse remain in cyberspace forever,” Ms Collins says. 

“The Harmful Digital Communications Bill sends a strong message to those who continue to harass and harm others online – time’s up.”

Justice Minister Judith Collins today announced a number of changes to the Board of Public Trust. 

Current Member Fiona Oliver will be elevated to the vacant Deputy Chair position, having served on the Board since 2009. 

“Ms Oliver’s funds management and financial services experience has proved of great value during her tenure, and I believe she will provide strong support for the Chair,” Ms Collins says.

It is a privilege to be invited to address the China Executive Leadership Academy today.

New Zealand has a strong and growing relationship with China, and I welcome China’s continuous interest in the New Zealand experience. You have asked me to share with you today, the New Zealand model and experience of building a clean government.

Over the years, New Zealand and China have enjoyed many high level exchanges as we continuously further our relationship and build our understanding of each other’s models and experiences in a globalised world.

Associate Justice Minister Chester Borrows today released the Youth Crime Action Plan, which aims to reduce offending by children and young people over the next ten years.

“New Zealand’s youth justice system is one of the best in the world, but we can’t rest on our laurels,” says Mr Borrows.

“This plan brings together the gains we’ve made in youth justice recently, through initiatives like our Fresh Start reforms, Policing Excellence and the Children’s Action Plan, and looks at the gaps, challenges and opportunities that remain.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has welcomed the stamp of approval given by an international body to New Zealand's anti-money laundering and terrorist financing laws.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international body that sets policies and standards on anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing (AML/CFT), has removed New Zealand from its follow-up assessment list.

“I’m pleased our framework for dealing with such crimes has received a stamp of approval from international experts and FATF members,” Ms Collins says.