LexisNexis
NEWS
29 October 2021
Mandatory vaccinations for health, education and prison workers
The extended COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2021 came into effect at 11.59pm on 25 October 2021 and requires workers who face a high risk of exposure to COVID-19 and who work in the health and disability and education sectors or prisons to be fully vaccinated.
23 August 2021
Mandatory record keeping to be introduced to events and businesses
As a response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in New Zealand, the government are introducing mandatory record keeping for large events and businesses.
19 August 2021
New Zealand moves to Alert Level 4; New requirements for mask use
On Tuesday 17 August 2021, following the discovery of a positive community case, the Government announced that the entire country would move to Alert Level 4 from 11:59 pm that evening.
29 June 2021
Wellington region returns to Alert level 1, some quarantine-free travel is unpaused
Cabinet has agreed to move the Wellington region, including Wairarapa and the Kāpiti Coast to north of Ōtaki, back to Alert Level 1, effective from 11:59 on 29 June 2021.
28 June 2021
Alert Level 2 is extended for the Wellington region for another 48 hours
The Wellington region, including Wairarapa and the Kāpiti Coast to north of Ōtaki, is currently operating at Alert Level 2 and it has been announced that this will be extended by 48 hours to end at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 9 June 2021.
23 June 2021
Wellington moves to Alert Level 2 at 6pm 23 June, the rest of New Zealand remains at Alert Level 1
Wellington has been moved to Alert Level 2 due to a recent exposure in the community when a traveller from Sydney tested positive for COVID-19 after visiting the capital. The Alert level shift, which comes into place at 6 pm on 23 June 2021, applies to the Wellington region, including Wairarapa and the Kāpiti Coast to north of Ōtaki.
07 May 2021
Vaccination health order affects employment
A number of Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) and New Zealand Customs Service workers have reported losing their jobs as a result of legislative changes that the Government has made to enforce vaccination in certain workplaces.
01 MARCH 2021
Auckland moves back to alert level 3 at 6am Sunday 28 February 2021, the rest of NZ moves to alert level 2
At a press conference on Saturday 27 February 2021, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 as of 6am Sunday 28 February, whilst the rest of the country will move to Alert Level 2.
18 FEBRUARY 2021
Auckland moves to alert level 2, the rest of NZ moves to alert level 1
17 FEBRUARY 2021
New Resurgence Support Payment introduced
Legislation has been introduced to Parliament under urgency following the latest COVID-19 Alert Level movements. The legislation sets up the framework for a new Resurgence Support Payment for businesses that are facing financial difficulty and strain from the resurgence of COVID-19.
16 FEBRUARY 2021
What courts are doing during COVID-19 alert levels
15 FEBRUARY 2021
Auckland moves to Alert Level 3
At a press conference on Sunday 14 February 2021, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 as of 11.59pm on 14 February, whilst the rest of the country will move to Alert Level 2.
17 NOVEMBER 2020
Masks to be mandatory on Auckland public transport and domestic flights
From Thursday 19 November, masks will need to be worn on all public transport in and out of Auckland, and on all domestic flights.
06 OCTOBER 2020
Auckland moves to Alert Level 1
23 SEPTEMBER 2020
Changes announced to COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme
Some changes are being introduced to the COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme in order to expand the number of workers who will be eligible to apply and therefore to help break the chain of transmission.
21 SEPTEMBER 2020
Auckland moves to standard Alert Level 2, rest of country moves to Alert Level 1
14 SEPTEMBER 2020
New Zealand, other than Auckland, to move to Alert Level 1 next Monday
09 SEPTEMBER 2020
New Family Court Covid-19 Protocol for the Adoption of New Zealand Surrogate Babies born overseas.
On 20 August Principal Family Court Judge Moran issued the Family Court Protocol for the Adoption of New Zealand Surrogate Babies Born Overseas.
31 AUGUST 2020
Chief Justice’s statement on masks in court
The Right Honourable Dame Helen Winkelman Chief Justice of NZ issued a media statement on 28 August 2020 outlining the advice on wearing masks in court
31 AUGUST 2020
Auckland moves to ‘alert level 2.5’ after 2 weeks in lockdown
As of 11.59pm on Sunday 30 August 2020, the Auckland region joined the rest of the country in Alert Level 2, albeit with slightly stricter rules to the rest of New Zealand.
24 AUGUST 2020
Alert levels extended again, with Auckland remaining at alert level 3, rest of NZ at level 2 until August 30
At a press conference on Monday 24 August 2020 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that Auckland will remain at Alert Level 3, while the rest of the country will remain at Alert Level 2 until 11.59 pm Sunday 30 August 2020.
18 AUGUST 2020
Finance Minister Grant Robertson announces COVID-19 Resurgence Wage Subsidy
The Government has today set out the criteria for a new nationwide wage subsidy covering the period that Auckland is at COVID-19 Alert Level 3.
18 AUGUST 2020
General election delayed
It was announced, after a period of consultation with party leaders and the Electoral Commission, that the New Zealand General Election would be delayed to 17 October 2020.
17 AUGUST 2020
Alert levels extended, with Auckland remaining at alert level 3, rest of NZ at level 2 until August 26
14 AUGUST 2020
Newest COVID-19 order introduces changes
A new order, the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Levels 3 and 2) Order 2020, was made by the Minister of Health under section 11 of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020.
13 AUGUST 2020
All new Covid-19 cases in NZ to be managed in isolation facilities
12 AUGUST 2020
New Zealand moves out of Alert Level 1
It was announced yesterday that New Zealand will be moving out of Alert Level 1 and will transition back into the more restrictive levels from 12:00 pm on 12 August 2020.
12 AUGUST 2020
Jury trials across the country are suspended
Following the Government announcement that New Zealand would be moving COVID-19 Alert Levels from 12:00 pm on 12 August 2020, Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann has announced the decision to suspend all jury trials throughout the country.
12 AUGUST 2020
Dissolution of the 52nd Parliament postponed
New Zealand’s 52nd Parliament was scheduled to be dissolved at 11 am on 12 August 2020 and this has now been postponed.
22 JUNE 2020
Committee is formed to take on court system delays
Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann has reported that a multi-agency committee has been established to deal with the huge backlog of proceedings sitting with the courts due to delays and as a result of COVID-19 and the government-imposed lockdown.
17 JUNE 2020
New Zealand moves out of National Transition Period and into Alert Level 1
On 8 June 2020 it was announced that New Zealand would move to Alert Level 1, and that the National Transition Period would come to an end. This news means that there will be no more of the restrictions that were introduced as part of the COVID-19 response and it signals a return to “normal life” for New Zealanders.
26 MAY 2020
Government announces COVID-19 Income Relief Payment
The Government has announced further measures of support for New Zealanders affected by COVID-19. The new scheme, named the COVID-19 Income Relief Payment, is aimed to support those who have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19.
25 MAY 2020
Investment made into relieving Family Court backlog
As part of Government’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, a massive $62 million has been announced to begin a reform of the Family Court.
25 MAY 2020
Wage Subsidy scheme is extended out to continue supporting workers
The Government has announced that applications to their COVID-19 Wage Subsidy scheme will be extended for a further twelve weeks and have allowed a possible eight more weeks per employee of funding.
18 MAY 2020
New Legislation to enforce social distancing passes
A new, controversial piece of legislation has been passed by parliament this week to enforce certain restrictions around social distancing as part of the COVID-19 response.
The COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 was both assented and came into force on 13 May 2020 with 63 votes in favour and 57 against. The legislation seeks to establish a fit-for-purpose legal framework for managing the challenges of the response to the COVID-19 epidemic and crucially, allows for certain powers to be enforced without the requirement of New Zealand being in a state of emergency.
12 MAY 2020
New Bill to support further government measures
A new piece of legislation, introduced to the house on 6 May 2020, is set to roll out the legal foundation for a new round of measures to ensure New Zealanders are protected and in a good position to recover from the effects of COIVD-19.
08 MAY 2020
New legislation to fast track project consent to boost economy
In yet another measure released from the Government to boost and support the New Zealand economy as it transitions out of lock down. The newest proposal introduces the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast Track Consenting) Bill, which promises to make it easier for eligible infrastructure and development to get through the approval process.
07 MAY 2020
Small business to receive further support through tax changes and cashflow options
The Government announced two new schemes recently to support small and medium enterprise across New Zealand. These are a tax refund scheme and a cashflow loan scheme, both of which add to a number of measures from the Government to support New Zealand businesses.
01 MAY 2020
Level three guidance made available for seniors and high risk
New Zealand transitioned from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 on 26 April 2020 and the Government’s Unite Against COVID-19 website has published guidance on level three operations for seniors and other high-risk groups.
30 APRIL 2020
Audits are underway for businesses receiving the wage subsidy payments
The Government-issued wage subsidy payments that have been paid out during the COVID-19 lockdown period have provided $10.4 billion in support for businesses and their workers to prepare them for reopening and to weather the effects of COVID-19.
The application process so far for the subsidy has been a high-trust one, as well as one that had to move very quickly, and this is partly why a team of 104 fraud experts and investigators are carrying out an audit of the payments made so far.
21 APRIL 2020
New Zealand will move to Alert Level 3
It was announced this week that New Zealand will be moving out of the Alert Level 4 lockdown and transitioning to level 3 protocols at 11:59 pm on 27 April 2020.
16 APRIL 2020
Support package offered to students
The government has released a support package aimed at assisting students financially in order to keep them engaged in education during the disruptions and restrictions that COVID-19 has presented.
16 APRIL 2020
Government relief for small and medium business
The government has announced another package of measures to support business, this time specifically targeting small to medium sized businesses.
16 APRIL 2020
Section 143 caveat lapsing notices will temporarily not be actioned
In light of the level four lockdown and continuing disruptions to travel, contact and court access, the Registrar-General of Land has decided that any new requests to serve notice under s 143 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 will not be actioned for the time being.
15 APRIL 2020
Interim guideline for remote verification of client identity published by LINZ
COVID-19 has introduced a number of challenges for practitioners who are trying to continue business remotely and one of those challenges is validating documents through remote means.
09 APRIL 2020
‘Safe Harbour’ measures rolled out for businesses
In order to successfully return New Zealand businesses and economy to normality, the government has rolled out a safe harbour scheme for businesses who are facing insolvency. These changes will be to the Companies Act 1993 and aim to protect jobs and income while keeping kiwis in employment by preventing businesses from going into liquidation.
09 APRIL 2020
Support announced for essential workers
The Government has announced that from 6 April 2020, essential workers will be able to apply for financial support if they need to take leave and stay home due to the effects of COVID-19.
03 APRIL 2020
Government opens applications for their Business Finance Guarantee Scheme
Adding to what is currently $25 billion of economic support for New Zealanders during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has also opened up applications for its Business Finance Guarantee Scheme to help support businesses and their banks to stay afloat during the lockdown and beyond.
03 APRIL 2020
Property settlements present challenges during alert level four lockdown
A number of issues are arising around property settlements, sale and purchase agreements and the general inability for people to give vacant possession when movements are restricted and furniture moving companies are not operating.
03 APRIL 2020
Rent freezes and further protections for tenants
On 23 March 2020 the Government announced a temporary freeze on residential rent increases and plans to extend no-cause terminations to provide more protection for tenants.
31 MARCH 2020
State of National Emergency is extended for a further seven days
The National State of Emergency, originally declared on 25 March, has been extended a further seven days to allow emergency services to retain their additional powers and resources for the duration of the alert level 4 lockdown.
31 MARCH 2020
Guidance released by Family Court for children in shared care
Judge Jacquelyn Moran, Principle Family Court Judge, has released guidance for what parents should be doing about children in shared care arrangements during the COVID-19 alert level four lockdown.
31 MARCH 2020
Updates announced to the Wage Subsidy Scheme
Since moving to a national lockdown under level four of the COVID-19 alert level system, the Government has decided changes are required to their wage subsidy scheme to further support New Zealanders.
27 MARCH 2020
Court Closures due to COVID-19
LexisNexis
23 MARCH 2020
What is the COVID-19 four-level alert system?
On 21 March 2020, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed parliament with the announcement of a four-tier alert system. This system is primarily to outline the status of the COVID-19 spread in New Zealand and the accompanying restrictions that apply to public health and social interaction.
23 MARCH 2020
New Zealand Government support package
With the wellbeing of New Zealanders listed as a first priority, the New Zealand Government has released a $12.1 billion support package in response to the impact and potential impact on employees and businesses from Covid-19
24 MARCH 2020
New Zealand Courts an essential service at alert level four
On 23 March 2020 following the announcement that New Zealand would be moving to alert level four, a decision was made to close the main New Zealand courts for the remainder of the week. Justice and court systems are essential services, but there will be changes and interruptions to how they operate during this time.
23 MARCH 2020
Privacy and Covid-19 – what can be disclosed?
Daily updates on coronavirus cases have become normal in the media, yet the Privacy Commissioner is urging employers and business owners that common sense is key.
23 MARCH 2020
New Zealand Announces State of Emergency
New Zealand has entered a State of Emergency as preparations are underway to transition the country into alert level 4 lockdown.
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS
17 APRIL 2020
Epidemic Preparedness (Wills Act 2007—Signing and Witnessing of Wills) Immediate Modification Order 2020
This order is made under the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006 and its effect is temporary. It comes into force on 17 April 2020 and is revoked when the Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 expires or is revoked. It modifies requirements imposed by section 11 of the Wills Act 2007 (the Act) that may be impossible or impracticable to comply with during an epidemic.
17 APRIL 2020
Epidemic Preparedness (Employment Relations Act 2000—Collective Bargaining) Immediate Modification Order 2020
This order is made under s 15 of the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006 and its effect is temporary. It comes into force on 16 April 2020 and is revoked 3 months after the Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 (the Epidemic Notice) expires or is revoked.
17 APRIL 2020
Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020
By this notice, the Prime Minister declares that she is satisfied that the effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 are likely to disrupt or continue to disrupt essential governmental and business activity in New Zealand significantly.
17 APRIL 2020
High Court (COVID-19 Preparedness) Amendment Rules 2020
These rules, which come into force immediately upon their notification in the Gazette, have been prepared in circumstances of urgency to facilitate the continuation of civil proceedings in the High Court during the course of the outbreak of COVID-19.
17 APRIL 2020
Epidemic Preparedness (Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012—Licence Application Inquiries) Immediate Modification Order 2020
This order is made under the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006 and its effect is temporary. It comes into force on the day after the date of its notification in the Gazette. The order is revoked 30 working days after the date on which the Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 expires or is revoked (the end date). It modifies restrictions and requirements imposed by the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (the Act) that may be impossible or impracticable to comply with during an epidemic.
17 APRIL 2020
Epidemic Preparedness (Oaths and Declarations Act 1957) Immediate Modification Order 2020
This order is made under the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006 and its effect is temporary. It comes into force on 17 April 2020 and is revoked when the Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 expires or is revoked. It modifies requirements imposed by the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957 (the Act) that may be impossible or impracticable to comply with during an epidemic.
17 APRIL 2020
Epidemic Preparedness (Local Government Act 2002) Immediate Modification Order 2020
This order is made under the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006 and its effect is temporary. It comes into force on 10 April 2020 and is revoked when the Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 expires or is revoked. It modifies requirements imposed by the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act) that may be impossible or impracticable to comply with during an epidemic.
17 APRIL 2020
Land Transport (Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2011
These regulations, which come into force on the day after the date they are notified in the Gazette (the commencement date), amend the Land Transport (Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2011.
06 APRIL 2020
Isolation or Quarantine arrangements: Health Act 1956 Order, s 70(1)(f)
On 24 March 2020, the Prime Minister, with the agreement of the Minister of Health, issued an epidemic notice under s 5 of the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006.
The epidemic notice allows the use of special powers by the Medical Officer of Health in accordance with s 70 of the Health Act 1956 for the purpose of preventing the outbreak and spread of COVID-19.
03 APRIL 2020
Epidemic Preparedness (Social Security Act 2018—Temporary Additional Support) Immediate Modification Order 2020
This order, which comes into force on 30 March 2020, makes a modification to a requirement imposed by the Social Security Act 2018 (the Act) that may be impossible or impracticable to comply with during an epidemic.
03 APRIL 2020
Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance (Exemptions for COVID-19) Amendment Regulations 2020
These regulations, which come into force on 1 April 2020, amend the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Regulations 2004.
These regulations provide exemptions from certain requirements of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 where the borrower has been impacted by the effects of COVID-19.
31 MARCH 2020
Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) (COVID-19 Recovery Package) Amendment Order 2020
This order, which comes into force on 27 March 2020, amends the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2020 (the principal order) made under the Social Security Act 2018 (the Act). Adjustments or increases made by the principal order (including those adjustments or increases as amended by this order) come into force at, or immediately after, the start of 1 April 2020.
31 MARCH 2020
Social Security (Exemption from Stand Down—Coronavirus COVID-19) Amendment Regulations 2020
These regulations are made under section 440 of the Social Security Act 2018— (a) on the advice and with the consent of the Executive Council; and (b) on the Minister’s recommendation made under section 440(4) and (5) of that Act.
31 MARCH 2020
Social Security (COVID-19—Temporary Additional Support and Expiry and Regrant of Benefits) Amendment Regulations 2020
These regulations are made under sections 428(1) and (2)(g) and 441(1) and (2)(c) of the Social Security Act 2018 on the advice and with the consent of the Executive Council.
31 MARCH 2020
Essential services: Employment Relations Act 2000, sch 1
An “essential service”, as defined in the Employment Relations Act 2000, s 5, means a service specified in Schedule 1 of the Act.
31 MARCH 2020
Lifeline utilities: Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, sch 1
A “lifetime utility”, as defined in the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, s 4, means an entity named or described in Part A of Schedule 1, or that carries on a business described in Part B of Schedule 1.
31 MARCH 2020
COVID-19 Response (Taxation and Social Assistance Urgent Measures) Act 2020
This Act introduces taxation and social assistance amendments that are aimed at assisting the Government’s response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Act includes targeted measures aimed at providing relief to those that have been economically affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
30 MARCH 2020
COVID-19 Response (Urgent Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020
This Amendment Act amends more than one Act and is introduced under Standing Order 263(a) as the amendments deal with an interrelated topic that can be regarded as implementing a single broad policy. That single broad policy is to put in place the necessary arrangements in order to implement COVID-19 Alert Level 4, or where arrangements are essential to respond effectively to the outbreak of COVID-19.
26 MARCH 2020
New Zealand Legislation Bulletin
Collection of latest Acts and Regulations
MEDIA RELEASES
29 APRIL 2020
LexisNexis New Zealand’s Social Justice project delivers FREE legal guidance to New Zealanders during the pandemic crisis
Tenants’ rights, employees’ rights and immigration measures guidance notes are available through the LexisNexis New Zealand COVID-19 Information Centre
06 APRIL 2020
Parenting orders and Covid-19
Media release, The Hon William Alstergren, Chief Justice Family Court of Australia, Chief Judge Federal Circuit Court of Australia, 26 March 2020
31 MARCH 2020
LexisNexis New Zealand remote working during COVID-19 pandemic
LexisNexis Pacific will be providing digital access to print titles during the COVID-19 pandemic to support our customers’ remote working actions.
30 MARCH 2020
LexisNexis NZ Launches COVID-19 Information Centre
Providing free access to vital content and services to their customers.
26 MARCH 2020
Ministry of Health - Media Releases
LexisNexis