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Christchurch lawyer Matthew Martin has been appointed a member of the Immigration and Protection Tribunal, Associate Justice Minister Nathan Guy announced today.

The independent tribunal was established under the Immigration Act 2009 to consider all immigration, deportation, refugee, and protection appeals in New Zealand.

Associate Minister of Justice Nathan Guy is urging workers in the security industry to apply for a license or certificate of approval by the end of August.

“New legislation means that crowd controllers and personal guards are required to hold a licence or certificate of approval by 1 November 2011. This includes bouncers and door staff working at bars, who will be regulated for the first time,” says Mr Guy.

District Court Judge Paul Barber has been appointed chairperson of the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal, Associate Justice Minister Nathan Guy has announced today.

The Disciplinary Tribunal was established under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008, and deals with the licensing and discipline of real estate agents.

The Government has agreed to pay $351,575 compensation to Aaron Farmer for wrongful conviction and imprisonment, the Associate Justice Minister Nathan Guy has announced today.

Mr Farmer was convicted of rape in 2005 and spent two years and three months in prison. His conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal and a retrial ordered after the court found his trial lawyer had not followed up on a potential alibi witness. He was discharged before the second trial began when a new method of DNA testing, not available at the time of his trial, confirmed he was not the offender.

The Associate Minister of Justice Nathan Guy has unveiled a new code of conduct for private investigators that will apply from 1 April 2011.

“This new code will regulate licensed private investigators. It strikes the right balance between protecting privacy and allowing private investigators to do their job.

“Private investigators’ work has changed significantly over the years. Instead of mainly domestic issues, most work now focuses on alleged employee theft or insurance fraud. 

Associate Justice Minister Nathan Guy has announced the appointment of Kate Davenport as a member and the deputy Chairperson of the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal.

The Tribunal is an independent body that hears and determines disciplinary charges against real estate agents.

Ms Davenport is an Auckland-based lawyer with a wide range of legal experience in New Zealand and the UK. She is a former Vice President of the New Zealand Law Society, and is an experienced mediator.

Associate Justice Minister Nathan Guy has announced the appointment of Roger Gill as the inaugural Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority, and Stevan Cole as his Deputy.

“The new position is responsible for the licensing and discipline of private security personnel, including bouncers and private investigators,” says Mr Guy.

All crowd controllers and personal guards will require a license to operate by the 1st of November, the Associate Justice Minister Nathan Guy has announced today.

“This includes bouncers and door staff working at bars, who will be regulated for the first time,” says Mr Guy.

“Licensing will involve a criminal background check on all applicants, and serious convictions for violence, drugs or dishonesty is likely to lead to disqualification.

Thank you for inviting me to open the 83^rd Annual Conference of the Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices Association.

Can I acknowledge: