News

See the latest updates on news and events around the Ministry. If you can't find what you're looking for here, try our media release section or news archive.

Move-on orders law comes into effect

22 Oct 2026, 12:00 am

Changes to the Summary Offences Act 1981 empowering the Police to issue move-on orders came into effect on Sunday 25 October 2026.
New Papakura Courthouse handed over ahead of January opening

21 Oct 2026, 12:00 am by

Papakura’s much-needed new courthouse is nearing its January 2027 opening following the rapid completion of the $34 million build in just 17 months.
Ministry of Justice 2025/26 Annual Report published

19 Oct 2026, 12:00 am

The Annual Report highlights progress across the Ministry's key priorities and its delivery of court and justice services throughout New Zealand.
Regulations made to support new Arms Act

17 Sept 2026, 12:00 am

Regulations made to support implementation of the Arms Act 2026
Inaugural Chief Executive Firearms Safety and Education appointed

26 Aug 2026, 12:00 am by

The first Chief Executive of Firearms Safety and Education has been appointed
Ministry launches new alcohol and other drug report writing service

21 Aug 2026, 12:00 am
Victims Information website launch

30 Jul 2026, 12:00 am

The Victims Information website has relaunched with clearer, more accessible information for victims of crime, their whānau, and supporters.
Parliament passes new firearms laws

28 Jul 2026, 12:00 am

Parliament has passed the Arms Bill to repeal and replace the Arms Act 1983, completing a comprehensive rewrite of New Zealand’s firearms laws.
Automated calls, emails and text messages about fines – watch for scams

14 Jul 2026, 12:00 am by
Increases to the Offender Levy

26 Jun 2026, 12:00 am

From 1 July 2026, the Offender Levy increased from $50 to $100.
Accessible and Affordable Justice programme

9 Jun 2026, 12:00 am

The Ministry of Justice is leading the Accessible and Affordable Justice programme in response to the outcome of the Legal Aid scheme review.
Justice sector leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

3 Jun 2026, 12:00 am

The Secretary for Justice has paid tribute to a number of people working in New Zealand’s justice sector who were recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours
Budget 2026

28 May 2026, 12:00 am

Information about significant Budget 2026 initiatives.
New laws set to better protect people from stalking and harassment

22 May 2026, 12:00 am

New laws have come into force that strengthens victim protections by clearly defining stalking and harassment.
Strengthening court safety: update on the Judicial Forum

20 May 2026, 12:00 am

An update on the Judicial Forum's work a year on from the judiciary and Ministry MOU on health, safety and security in courts.
Climate change tort law change

11 May 2026, 12:00 am

The Government has decided to amend the law to prevent the courts from making certain civil findings of liability for climate change damage caused by GHGs.
Overseas adoptions bill introduced to Parliament

7 May 2026, 12:00 am

The Government is making further changes to laws for recognising international adoptions to protect adopted children and young people from potential harm
New privacy information principle now in force

1 May 2026, 12:00 am

An important change to New Zealand’s privacy laws about the indirect collection of personal information came into force on 1 May 2026.
Changes to alcohol sales on restricted trading days

2 Apr 2026, 12:00 am

Parliament has changed the law regarding the sale of alcohol by on-licences, cellar doors and RSAs on restricted trading days.
Greater protections for people giving evidence of family violence in Family Court proceedings

17 Mar 2026, 12:00 am

People giving evidence about family violence are now entitled to additional legislative protections.

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