COVID-19 news

Ministry of Justice news specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other news can be found in News and Media releases, along with our News & media archive.

For the latest COVID-19 related updates, visit our COVID-19 information hub.

Media should review the Guide for media attending and reporting the courts remotely during COVID-19 released recently by Courts of New Zealand.

  1. Rent reduction for commercial leases

    Changes to the Property Law Act require a reduction of a “fair proportion” of rent in commercial leases affected by COVID-19 restrictions.

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    Family violence and sexual violence helplines

    If you are a victim of family violence, sexual violence, or there is someone that makes you fearful, threatens or harasses you, seek help as soon as possible.

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    COVID-19 commercial rent dispute service

    A subsidised arbitration and mediation service will be available from late September 2020 to resolve commercial lease disputes arising from COVID-19.