JUDITH COLLINS MP for Papakura

MMP changes impossible without agreement

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-05-15T03:29:47Z

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.

“I have consulted with all those parties, and there is absolutely no consensus, or even a majority, across Parliament.

“It is a simple fact that it is impossible to introduce and pass legislation if it does not have a majority in the House. To suggest otherwise, as Labour and the Greens have done, is misleading the public.

“Enduring change to electoral law should be based as much as possible, on consensus.

“So far, all parties have played a role in ensuring there is no consensus, and therefore there will be no changes to MMP,” Ms Collins says.

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

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-05-10T22:28:00Z

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.

It’s a great privilege to be a part of your conference for the Asia Pacific Region.

Building on what today’s keynote speakers have covered in terms of pornography and child exploitation I will talk specifically about the sexual abuse of children online and New Zealand’s commitment to combatting this abhorrent crime through our membership to the Global Alliance against Child Sexual Abuse Online.

It’s a sad fact that the majority of sexual abuse goes by unreported.

Last year alone, Child Youth and Family found 1355 children under the age of 17 were sexually abused in New Zealand.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates there are more than 4 million websites featuring victims who are children – some even including children younger than 2 years old.

While accurate statistics for this problem are hard to come by, one thing is certain – the digital age has drastically increased ways offenders access, disseminate and sell this criminal material.

The advancements of the 21st century mean people are living longer, healthier, more secure and productive lives. Individuals and communities also have more opportunities than ever before to engage, communicate and share information.

With these benefits comes responsibility – responsibility to use modern technology appropriately. Unfortunately these benefits are all too frequently misused and abused.

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Bill to protect Public Trust introduced

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-05-07T21:08:00Z

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.

“We are changing the law because of the risk a potential precedent could be set by a case due to be heard in the High Court early next month,” Ms Collins says.

“It’s simply not acceptable for trustees who wish to retire or resign, to pass their responsibilities to the Public Trust, and the taxpayer, with huge and unrecoverable costs.”

take over the role of determining the replacement trustee for investment products regulated by the Bill.

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New law protects jurors, improves jury system

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-04-29T01:46:00Z

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.

“The new Act puts jurors’ safety and privacy first by tightening access to jurors’ information and introducing provisions to make the jury process more efficient.”

The Government moved to restrict access to jurors’ personal details after convicted murderer George Baker wrote to a juror whose name he saw on a list while representing himself in a trial.

Jurors’ address information will be removed from the jury panel list and can only be viewed by eligible people – for example Police prosecutors, lawyers for the Crown, or lawyers appointed by the court to inspect the information on behalf of defendants who are representing themselves.

The Act also streamlines the jury system. Instead of requesting to be excused from jury duty each time they are summoned, people may now apply to be permanently excused from service due to disability or for health reasons. People aged over 65 who so request must also be permanently excused.

“Every year on average 22,000 people over 65 are excused from jury service,” Ms Collins says.

“The new Act helps address the stress and inconvenience the current process causes many people and allows for a more efficient, less troublesome process both for people seeking to be excused and for court staff.”

Family Court changes support priorities for reform

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-04-26T01:45:00Z

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.

“This is a solid basis for reforming the Court and our proposed policy direction is the right one.

“I have listened carefully to feedback on the reforms during the select committee process.

“I am very pleased Cabinet has agreed to incorporate some of the feedback and make changes to our proposals that better support the three priorities driving our reforms.

“This is exactly what the select committee process is for and I thank those who have been involved,” Ms Collins says.

Proposed changes are to:

• provide up to four hours of legal support for parents who meet the legal aid threshold prior to court
• provide up to three hours of preparatory counselling to help parents make the most of Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)
• enable a judge to refer parties back to FDR or the Parenting through Separation course if it is likely to help resolve the case, and
• enable lawyers to participate earlier in the court process, at the judge’s discretion, if it would increase the chances of a successful resolution.

“The Family Court has not worked as well as it should for some families for many years and that’s why we’re changing it.

“Our family justice system must protect vulnerable people, provide fast and efficient resolution of private disputes, and put the needs of children first,” Ms Collins says.

The proposed changes will be included in the departmental report on the Family Court Reform Bill for consideration by the Justice and Electoral Select Committee.

More information about the Family Court reforms is available from www.justice.govt.nz.

Appointment of members of the Real Estate Agents Authority

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-04-26T01:43:00Z

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.

Mr Bhatnagar runs his own management consultancy and is an experienced investment manager having managed an extensive property portfolio. Mr Bhatnagar replaces Peter McDermott who will leave the Authority on 3 May 2013.

In announcing the appointment, Ms Collins acknowledged the work the Authority has done over the last three years in establishing itself as the regulatory body for the real estate industry. She also acknowledged the contribution outgoing member Mr McDermott has made to that work.

The Authority was created by the Real Estate Agents Act 2008. That Act significantly reformed the regulation of the real estate industry with a consumer protection focus which shifted regulatory responsibility away from the industry to independent bodies.

Collins to study at Harvard Kennedy School

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-04-26T01:42:00Z

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.

“I am very much looking forward to being immersed in what will be a challenging and stimulating learning experience,” Ms Collins says.

The Harvard Kennedy School offers programs for leaders from around the world. Courses bring together experienced professionals and a world-renowned faculty in a setting where the common denominator is a shared commitment to public value.

In the past year, course participants hailed from 126 countries and included 3 ambassadors, 11 ministers, 6 mayors, 10 permanent secretaries and more than 50 United States legislators.

Speaking notes to EthnicA Auckland

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-04-20T05:57:00Z

Dame Susan Devoy, Race Relations Commissioner

Mervin Singham, Director Office of Ethnic Affairs

Ethnic community leaders

My parliamentary colleagues

Ladies and gentlemen

Good morning.

It’s great to be here in Auckland for the second of the three EthnicA events happening around New Zealand.

EthnicA Christchurch held last month was a great success and it’s fantastic to see another impressive turn out today, here in New Zealand’s most diverse city.

Auckland is now a truly international city. Many people from around the world have made this city their home. Because of them, this city and this country, are a better place to live.

More than one-third of the people living in Auckland were born overseas. And more than 200,000 Aucklanders are of Asian ethnicity; 18,000 are of African, Middle Eastern or Latin American descent.

Thank you all for taking the time out of your weekend to be here and participate. I hope you all leave today inspired to lead by example, not just in your own communities, but as role models for all of New Zealand.

I would like to acknowledge the sponsor for EthnicA Auckland – Alexandra Park. Thank you for supporting today’s conference.

Conferences like EthnicA are all about empowering ethnic New Zealanders.

We’re encouraging you to realise your ability to succeed, regardless of your ethnicity, cultural background or who your parents are.

Today you will hear inspiring stories from people who have done just that.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet like-minded Kiwis, share experiences and learn from each other.

Make the most of it – introduce yourself and connect with as many different people from as many different communities as you can.

Building a strong network of contacts from across New Zealand’s ethnic communities, not just your own, will give you the support you need to achieve success – whether it be at home, at school, at work, university, in business or in your community.

Your success is important to you and it’s important to your families –

But it’s also important to New Zealand.

Our nation is home to over 4 million New Zealanders and it’s important that each one of us makes a positive contribution.

There is a great deal of potential in this room today.

This year’s EthnicA has a special focus on leadership – specifically how the ethnic sector can show leadership and how leaders from this sector can be developed and supported.

I want you to understand and value your ability to be a strong voice for your communities, and a strong voice in the decision-making process of New Zealand.

This Government is working hard to give you the tools and support you need to dream big, and make your dreams a reality.

As part of the wider government work, The Office of Ethnic Affairs is delivering a range of workshops and initiatives designed to give all ethnicities the tools they need to participate in all aspects of life in New Zealand and take on leadership roles.

Later today you will hear from participants of the Young Leaders Programme based here in Auckland.

It’s important that ethnic youth have the support they need to succeed and act as role models to their peers.

The Programme focuses on ten young individuals each year, from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, to build their leadership skills and plan a successful career path.

The young people you will hear from today have been identified as potential leaders in their communities, and for New Zealand. The Government is backing young ethnic Kiwis and is committed to ensuring they reach their full potential.

I’d like to see an increase in participation across all our ethnic communities in these leadership programmes and I’d especially like to see more ethnic women in leadership positions.

Ethnic women are often natural leaders in their own communities – but few branch out and use their leadership skills in the wider community.

Women are creative thinkers, great multi-taskers and excellent problem solvers.

To support ethnic women leaders in New Zealand, the Office of Ethnic Affairs is running the Ethnic Women’s Leadership Programme.

This programme aims to develop leadership skills and give women the support they need to be agents for change both in their own communities and wider New Zealand society.

We are a nation that values the contribution of all its citizens.

Everybody has the right to build a brighter future for their families and the right to have a say in the way our country is run.

To ensure that ethnic communities are having their voices heard and their strengths utilised, the Office of Ethnic Affairs runs a Nominations Service.

This service provides a database of ethnic New Zealanders who are suitably qualified for appointment to government boards, committees and advisory groups.

It provides an avenue for leaders within our ethnic communities to register their interest and availability to take up such appointments on more than 400 state sector boards and committees.

The positions are an excellent opportunity to contribute to the prosperity and strength of New Zealand’s economy and communities.

If you or anybody you know is interested in being a part of the Nominations Service, I encourage you to contact the Office of Ethnic Affairs and give a voice to your communities.

The Office also operates the Language Line telephone interpreting service. Language Line breaks down the barriers that ethnic Kiwis with limited English sometimes face when talking with government agencies.

This service ensures it’s easier for ethnic communities to seek government services or advice.

By continuing to work closely with the Office of Ethnic Affairs, the government can continue to identify and remove possible barriers, to make sure all ethnic New Zealanders participate in all aspects of life here.

It was a privilege to travel to Geneva earlier this year to present New Zealand’s report on our progress in tackling racial discrimination and inequality to the United Nations’ Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

There’s a lot of positive work taking place to harness the potential of our diverse communities and make sure all ethnic Kiwis are given a fair go.

Our report was well received by the United Nations and I’m pleased to say New Zealand remains a positive model of social harmony to which many other nations aspire.

Finally, I congratulate you all for coming here today and participating in EthnicA, and for putting your hands up to be the future leaders of not only your communities, but of New Zealand.

I encourage you all to get out there and realise your leadership potential, and help us build the brighter future this country deserves.

Thank you.

Crime & reoffending down with BPS on target

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-04-18T01:17:59Z

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.

“I am thrilled these latest results show the sector is on track to meet all its 2017 BPS targets. In the case of youth crime, the sector has already exceeded its target – 4 years early.

“Fewer people are being affected by serious and violent crime, and fewer criminals are going on to reoffend. This is what delivering better public services for New Zealanders is all about.

“Our results show how well the entire justice sector is working together to deliver a safer New Zealand. I would like thank the Ministry of Justice, Police, and Corrections for all their excellent work,” Ms Collins says.

BPS targets for the justice sector are to reduce the total recorded crime rate by 15 per cent, the recorded violent crime rate by 20 per cent, the youth crime rate by 5 per cent and the reoffending rate by 25 per cent by 2017.

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100 year old court legislation in for overhaul

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-04-17T02:22:00Z

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.

“These changes are important because they will improve the flexibility, responsiveness and transparency of the court system.

“The Judicature Act, the District Courts Act and the Supreme Court Act provide much of the legislative framework for our courts system. But the Judicature Act was put in place more than 100 years ago. Over that time, it has been amended often and other related Acts have been put in place alongside it.

“As a result, understanding the arrangements and set-up of our courts is unnecessarily difficult. That’s why we’re changing this outdated and inaccessible legislation,” Ms Collins says.

The Government plans to make a number of changes to courts legislation including:

• replacing the Judicature Act and Supreme Court Act with a Senior Courts Act

• repealing the District Courts Act and re-enacting it as a modernised District Court Act

• taking steps to improve and clarify rights to access court record information, for example, statistical information about court cases and expenditure

• making the processes and criteria for appointing judges more transparent by requiring the judicial selection and recommendation process to be published by the Attorney-General

• enabling specialist panels of judges to be assigned to hear particular types of cases in the High Court

• improving flexibility for the court to limit vexatious proceedings, and

• extending the District Court’s jurisdiction to allow it to deal with civil cases where the amount in dispute is up to $350,000, rather than the current threshold of $200,000.

“Work on clarifying access to court record information will allow the Ministry of Justice to produce more aggregate information on court and judicial performance, improving transparency.

“The Government is still considering whether publishing lists of reserved judgments is the most appropriate approach. We are continuing to consult with the judiciary, and are reviewing how overseas jurisdictions report reserved judgements.

“Modernising the legislation underpinning our key courts is one of a number of changes this Government is making towards a more modern, accessible, people-centred justice system.

“These changes complement the other transformational initiatives already underway including changes to criminal procedure, a new courts service delivery model, and reforming the Family Court,” Ms Collins says.

The Government will introduce a new Courts Bill to implement the changes later this year.

EEO Commissioner appointed

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-04-15T22:18:50Z

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.

“Dr Blue is committed to human rights and equity issues and is currently the Chair of three cross-party groups in Parliament. I’m confident she will be a very capable Commissioner.”

Dr Blue will be leaving Parliament to take up her new position. She will assume office on 4 June 2013.

Biography

Dr Blue holds a BSc from the University of Auckland and gained her MB ChB from Auckland Medical School in 1983. She came to prominence in the medical sector as a pioneering breast physician and, in 1992, was a founding member of the St Marks Women’s Health Centre. Dr Blue entered Parliament as a list MP in 2005 and has since held a number of roles including membership of the Health Committee (2005 to 2008).

She is currently the Chair of three cross-party groups in Parliament – New Zealand Parliamentarian’s Group on Population and Development, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians and Parliamentarians for Global Action. Dr Blue is also a member of the Justice & Electoral Committee and Deputy Chairperson of the Health Committee.

Baroness Thatcher mourned

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-04-09T02:42:50Z

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.

“Today our thoughts are with Baroness Thatcher’s family, friends and with all of Britain as they mourn the passing of a most courageous and inspirational icon.”

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

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-04-06T00:59:00Z

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.

Your Association is a great example of women coming together for mutual support to overcome barriers. You have every right to aspire to positions of leadership, not just in your communities, but across all of New Zealand.

Today is an excellent opportunity for Indian women to meet and connect with like-minded women. By sharing your personal stories you can learn from each other’s experiences.

Building a strong network around you and drawing from the strengths and contacts of your peers will help you achieve both your personal and your professional goals – whether it’s assisting in finding a school for your children, or helping you to find a new job or business opportunity.

And it’s important you don’t just restrict your networking to within New Zealand’s Indian communities – connecting with a range of New Zealanders will ensure a greater opportunity for success.

You all have the potential to be leaders in both your personal and professional lives.

By helping each other to remove barriers, you will ensure the voices of Indian women are being heard not just in your own communities, but across the whole country.

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

Collins Comments

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-04-04T21:49:52Z

I remember a time, not that long ago, when the internet was rarely talked about, mobile phones were the size of small bricks and a tweet was the sound birds made.

Today the rapid growth of new technologies and communication channels such as text messaging, Facebook and Twitter means we now have access to information at our fingertips and are able contact each other, anytime, anywhere.

Unfortunately it also means that bullying can occur anytime, anywhere. Bullying is no longer confined to the classroom or playground as tormenters can harass their targets 24 hours a day, seven days a week, wherever they go, and the trail of abuse lives on in cyberspace, following victims for years.

This week I announced a raft of new proposals to protect victims of cyber bullying and hold perpetrators to account including:

• Creating a new civil enforcement regime that includes setting up or appointing an approved agency as the first port of call for complaints.

• Allowing people to take serious complaints to the District Court, which will be able to issue sanctions such as take-down orders and cease-and-desist notices.

• Making it an offence to send messages and post material online that is grossly offensive, indecent, obscene, menacing or knowingly false, punishable by up to 3 months imprisonment or a $2,000 fine.

• Creating a new offence of incitement to commit suicide, even in situations when a person does not attempt to take their own life, punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment.

• Amending the Harassment, Privacy and Human Rights Acts to ensure they are up-to-date for digital communications. In some cases, existing laws were written before cell phones, instant messaging devices and social networking websites became common communication channels.

These new measures send a clear message to cyber bullies: Time’s up. Your behaviour is not acceptable.

I’m sure I speak on behalf of many New Zealanders when I share my concerns about the devastating effects cyber bullying has, particularly on our young people.

No one should ever be subject to this kind of cowardly attack and now with the right support and modern laws in place, victims will no longer have to suffer.

Minister welcomes Law Commission report

nospam@example.com (admin) — 2013-04-04T02:17:05Z

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.

“I am pleased to report that the Law Commission has concluded that the Evidence Act has overwhelmingly met its objectives,” Ms Collins said.

“The Commission has recommended a number of amendments to improve the operation of the Act. I will carefully consider these recommendations.”

The Government will formally respond to the Law Commission’s recommendations later this year.