Minister: Judith Collins

Govt signals around $1b of ACC levy reductions

Beehive — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:00:00 +0000

Judith Collins | ACC

Continuing improvements in ACC provide an opportunity for significant levy reductions to benefit businesses and households, ACC Minister Judith Collins says. “The Government is confident that a decrease in ACC levies is sustainable and is allowing for a reduction of around $300 million for 2014/15, increasing to a reduction of around $1 billion in 2015/16,” Ms Collins says. This follows a $630 million reduction in levies for households and businesses in 2012/13. ...

$4.4m to expand restorative justice services

Beehive — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:00:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Budget 2013

Budget 2013 supports the Government’s target of further reducing reoffending by 25 per cent by 2017, Justice Minister Judith Collins says. The Ministry of Justice has received $4.4 million in operating funding over two years from the Justice Sector Fund to extend restorative justice services by an additional 2,400 conferences by 2014/15. This will bring the total number of restorative justice conferences to 3,600 each year. ...

MMP changes impossible without agreement

Beehive — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the fact that political parties cannot agree makes it impossible to make any changes to our MMP voting system. “Opposition parties have said the Government is deliberately ignoring the recommendations of the Electoral Commission. This is simply not true – all parties have their own agendas and have selected which recommendations they will support, and which they won’t. “All parties in Parliament are responsible to the public on the Electoral Commission’s review of MMP. ...

Address to International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) Regional Conference Asia Pacific Region, Auckland

Beehive — Sat, 11 May 2013 09:02:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Good afternoon. Thank you for the invitation to speak to you today. It’s great to be here. The International Association of Women Judges is an association of great ability, accomplishment and potential. ...

New law protects Public Trust

Beehive — Wed, 08 May 2013 22:39:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins says a new law passed in Parliament tonight protects the Public Trust from having to wear the costs of stepping in to replace the trustees of failed finance companies. Ms Collins says previously the Trustee Act allowed the High Court to appoint Public Trust as replacement trustee ‘of last resort’ for any trustee that wished to retire or resign, without the Public Trust’s agreement. ...

Bill to protect Public Trust introduced

Beehive — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:20:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins today introduced to Parliament a bill to shield the Public Trust from wearing the costs of having to step in to replace the trustees of failed finance companies. Ms Collins says an out-dated ‘last resort’ rule in the Trustee Act (1956) means the trustees of failed finance companies can apply to the High Court to have the Public Trust replace them, without Public Trust’s agreement. ...

New law protects jurors, improves jury system

Admin — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:14:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

An Act protecting the safety and privacy of jurors and streamlining the jury system takes effect today. Justice Minister Judith Collins says the Juries (Jury Service and Protection of Particulars of Jury List Information) Amendment Act brings much needed changes to the jury system. “Jury service is an important civic duty and those who are summoned deserve to feel safe,” Ms Collins says. ...

Family Court changes support priorities for reform

Beehive — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:03:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Modifications to the proposed Family Court reforms support the Government’s key priorities and will ensure the family justice system works well for those who need it, says Justice Minister Judith Collins. “This Government has three priorities driving the reform of the Family Court - we are committed to creating a Court that protects vulnerable people, provides fast and efficient resolution of private disputes, and as a priority, puts the needs of children first. ...

Appointment of members of the Real Estate Agents Authority

Beehive — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 02:47:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins today announced the reappointment of five members of the Real Estate Agents Authority and the appointment of one new member. Those reappointed to the Authority are: John Auld of New Plymouth Barrie Barnes of Auckland Denise Bovaird of Auckland Joan Harnett-Kindley of Wanaka David Russell of Wellington The new appointee to the Authority is Aaron Bhatnagar of Auckland. ...

Collins to study at Harvard Kennedy School

Beehive — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:31:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins has been invited to study at the prestigious John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and will join its Leadership Decision Making program from 23-28 June. Ms Collins says the week long course presents a valuable opportunity to work alongside a diverse and accomplished group of leaders from around the world. “This is a fantastic opportunity I am thrilled to accept. I am a firm believer in the significant contribution continued learning makes to leadership. ...

Crime & reoffending down with BPS on target

Admin — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 01:05:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins today released the latest justice sector Better Public Services (BPS) target results to December 2012, showing significant progress is being made against each target. Ms Collins says results show there has been a 9 per cent reduction in total crime rate (down from 983 to 891 crimes per 10,000 people) and a 7 per cent reduction in violent crime (down from 109 to 102 crimes per 10,000 people). Youth crime is also down 14 per cent (down from 332 to 286 per 10,000 young people) and re-offending is down by 8 per cent. ...

100 year old court legislation in for overhaul

Admin — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:45:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins has today unveiled the Government’s proposals towards modernising the legal framework for many of New Zealand’s courts. The proposals are in response to recommendations made by the Law Commission in its recent report Review of the Judicature Act 1908: Towards a new Courts Act. Ms Collins says the changes will help enhance public confidence in the justice system. ...

Collins welcomes progress of legal aid bill

Beehive — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:22:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins says the Legal Assistance (Sustainability) Amendment Bill, which passed its second reading in Parliament today, is another step towards a fairer and more sustainable legal aid system. “This Bill reinforces access to justice. It strikes the best balance between ensuring the financial viability of the legal aid system, and ensuring the most vulnerable people in society are protected. ...

EEO Commissioner appointed

Admin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:48:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Dr Jackie Blue as the Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Commissioner. “I congratulate Dr Blue on her appointment as EEO Commissioner for the Human Rights Commission,” Ms Collins says. “The EEO Commissioner has an important role to play in championing EEO principles, issues and practices in New Zealand as well as appreciating their relationship to social, economic and labour market trends. ...

Additional top-up funding for community law centres

Beehive — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 04:10:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins announced today the Government will provide an additional $12.1 million in funding for community law centres (CLCs). The Government top-up over the next two years will bridge a significant on-going shortfall in community law centres’ funding. Ms Collins says the gap is the result of the CLCs’ traditional source of funding, the Lawyers and Conveyancers Special Fund, halving since 2008. “I’m very pleased the Government has been able to provide CLCs with certainty for the next two years,” Ms Collins said. ...

Baroness Thatcher mourned

Admin — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 01:51:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins has today paid tribute to the late former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. “Baroness Thatcher was a highly intelligent, brave, formidable woman who led Britain from what were very difficult times to greater prosperity and economic certainty,” Ms Collins says. “She was Britain’s first, and remains the only, female Prime Minister, a wife and doting mother and grandmother. “I respect her for being a woman of conviction who stood firmly for individuals, families and for Britain. ...

Tax info-sharing may help fight crime

Admin — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:30:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

The Government is seeking public feedback on proposals for Inland Revenue to share some information with other government agencies to help fight serious crime, Revenue Minister Peter Dunne, Justice Minister Judith Collins and Police Minister Anne Tolley announced today. ...

Speaking notes to New Zealand Indian Central Association Women’s Conference

Beehive — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:16:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Namaste, good morning. It’s a pleasure to here today at this New Zealand Indian Central Association Women’s Conference, especially as you celebrate your ten year anniversary. Congratulations. I hope you leave today’s forum, encouraged and inspired to reach your full potential and achieve your goals. I thank the Women’s Committee of the New Zealand Indian Central Association, not just for your efforts in organising today’s event, but for your dedication and hard work as leaders. ...

Minister welcomes Law Commission report

Admin — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:12:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins today tabled in Parliament the Law Commission’s report The 2013 Review of the Evidence Act 2006. “I would like to thank the Law Commission for its thorough review of the Evidence Act 2006,” Ms Collins said. The review builds on the earlier work that resulted in the 2006 Act. The new report provides a comprehensive summary of the evolution and interpretation of the law of evidence in New Zealand. ...

Time's up for cyber bullies

Admin — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:42:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins has announced a raft of new proposals to hold cyber bullies to account for their bullying and harmful online behaviour. “I am pleased to have developed a set of measures that aim to stop the growing incidence of cyber bullying and its devastating effects, particularly for young people. “Many New Zealanders share my serious concerns about this problem as the reach and impact of bullying has increased considerably in the digital age. ...

Collins tables report on regulation of news media

Admin — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 22:34:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins has tabled in Parliament today the Law Commission’s report on regulation of the news media in the digital age. The report, The News Media Meets ‘New Media’: Rights, Responsibilities and Regulation in the Digital Age, provides the Law Commission’s recommendations for updating laws regulating our media for the digital era. The Government will examine the report’s recommendations and seek views from the media industry before formally responding to the report later this year. ...

Conviction, sentencing stats show crime down

Admin — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 21:48:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Statistics released by the Ministry of Justice today show the number of people being charged in court has reduced by more than 20 per cent since 2009, Justice Minister Judith Collins says. The Conviction and Sentencing Statistics, published on the Statistics New Zealand website, show 98,783 people appeared in court in 2012, down 7 per cent from 2011 and 22 per cent from 2009. ...

Address to EthnicA Christchurch 2013

Beehive — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:38:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Good afternoon. It’s great to be here in Christchurch for the first of the three EthnicA events happening around the country. It’s fantastic to see so many of you turn out today to support this conference. I acknowledge and thank you for participating and hope that you all leave today inspired to lead by example, not just in your own communities, but as role models for all of New Zealand. ...

New Zealand celebrates Race Relations Day

Admin — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:46:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins says this year’s Race Relations Day gives all New Zealanders opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate our nation’s ethnic diversity. “The theme for Race Relations Day 2013 is ‘My Dream for Aotearoa’,” Ms Collins says. “I want a New Zealand where every citizen is respected, valued and treated fairly. Regardless of a person’s race, colour or ethnic background, every New Zealander deserves a fair go.” ...

Dame Susan Devoy new Race Relations Commissioner

Admin — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:24:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins is pleased to announce the appointment of Dame Susan Devoy DNZM, CBE as the new Race Relations Commissioner. “Dame Susan is a proud New Zealander who is highly motivated to contribute positively to New Zealand society. “Her communication and relationship management skills, coupled with experience working with diverse groups, are key areas of strength. ...

Address to the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration – “The pursuit of excellence and innovation in courts and tribunals”

Admin — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 21:32:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

The Langham Hotel, Auckland Good morning. Thank you for the invitation to speak to you today. On behalf of the Government, I welcome all the international attendees to New Zealand, and to Auckland. It’s great to see you here. This morning I will talk briefly about what we’re doing in New Zealand to drive excellence and innovation in the courts. Our justice and courts system is one of our greatest assets. ...

Collins welcomes UN report on racial discrimination

Admin — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 01:44:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Ethnic Affairs

Justice and Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins has welcomed the latest report of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on New Zealand’s progress at tackling racial discrimination and inequality. Ms Collins presented to the Committee on behalf of the New Zealand Government at a two-day meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on 21 and 22 February. ...

NZ supports UK initiative against sexual violence

Admin — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:56:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins has announced New Zealand will support a UK-led initiative to prevent sexual violence in armed conflict and post-conflict situations. “Sexual violence is an abhorrent crime, which too often stands in the way of conflict resolution,” says Ms Collins. ...

Bills to improve and safeguard information sharing passed

Beehive — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 03:37:00 +0000

Judith Collins | Justice

Legislation to improve information sharing between agencies that deliver public services has passed its final reading in Parliament today. Justice Minister Judith Collins says the new laws will clarify and improve the rules around how government agencies share personal information, while ensuring safeguards are in place to protect individual’s privacy. “These changes pave the way for better services for all New Zealanders, from improving our ability to protect vulnerable children, to reducing duplication and information handling costs. ...

Collins to present Earthquake citations in London

Admin — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 22:53:00 +0000

Judith Collins | ACC

During her visit to London next week, Judith Collins will present New Zealand Police citations to members of the United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police Service who helped with the Canterbury Earthquake response in 2011. “The 2011 Canterbury Earthquake Citation is a unique award that recognises the unwavering spirit, actions and outstanding contribution of those who worked on the ground in Christchurch during the 2011 state of emergency,” Ms Collins says. ...