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.

Guidance for managing shared parenting during COVID-19 traffic light settings

04/02/2022 8:30am

Information and guidance for shared parenting arrangements during COVID-19.
Rent reduction for commercial leases

14/12/2021 4:30pm

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

19/08/2021 9:00am

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.
Guidance for property sales and settlements during COVID-19

04/03/2021 1:25pm

Guidance for people and their lawyers dealing with property sales and settlements during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Property sales and settlements guidance for lawyers during COVID-19

04/03/2021 1:25pm

Guidance for lawyers undertaking property sales and settlements during COVID-19.
COVID-19 Update 12 November

12/11/2020 5:00pm

With Auckland CBD on COVID-19 alert, a reminder to our court participants.
COVID-19 commercial rent dispute service

26/08/2020 2:10pm

A subsidised arbitration and mediation service will be available from late September 2020 to resolve commercial lease disputes arising from COVID-19.
Information for people needing to complete oaths, affirmations or declarations during COVID-19

20/08/2020 3:45pm

Information for people needing to complete oaths, affirmations or declarations during COVID-19
Public Access to Christchurch Law Courts - Between 24 August to 27 August

19/08/2020 5:30pm

Between Monday 24 August - Thursday 27 August 2020, public access to the Christchurch Law Courts will be limited.
Information for people in managed isolation needing to access the District Court

03/08/2020 9:00am

Information for people in managed isolation or quarantine needing to access the District Court.
Survey results: Experiences of COVID-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown

12/05/2020 9:00am

The Ministry of Justice's New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey team releases results of a nationwide survey about people's experiences during Alert Level 4.
Information for people signing and witnessing wills during COVID-19

17/04/2020 11:00am by Kalena Jordan

Information for people signing and witnessing wills during COVID-19
Information about alcohol licensing during COVID-19

17/04/2020 11:00am

Information about alcohol licensing during COVID-19
Guidance for termination of commercial leases and mortgages during COVID-19

15/04/2020 5:00am

Guidance for commercial leases and mortgages affected by the response to COVID-19
All new jury trials suspended until 31 July 2020

09/04/2020 5:00pm

The Chief Justice has extended the timeframe for suspension of all new jury trials until 31 July 2020.
Chief Victims Advisor: Support available for victims during isolation

30/03/2020 1:40pm

Chief Victims Advisor: Support available for victims of family violence and sexual violence during isolation
Access to court and tribunal locations during COVID-19

27/03/2020 9:00am by Haajar Pengelly

Access to court and tribunal locations during COVID-19