17 Dec 2020 – Law Commission newsletter released, including information on the following upcoming or ongoing projects:

• Intended publication of an Issues Paper and other consultation materials for a Review of Succession Law in April 2021. https://www.lawcom.govt.nz/our-projects/review-succession-law
• Continuing the early scoping stage of projects on Surrogacy Law and on the law related to adults with impaired decision-making capacity. https://www.lawcom.govt.nz/our-projects/surrogacy-law-review

18 Dec 2020 – Government announced expansion of the small business loan support package related to Covid-19. https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/small-business-support-expanded

18 Dec 2020 – Commerce Commission released a consultation on a draft cartel leniency and immunity policy, resulting from the introduction of the new criminal cartel offence coming into effect in April 2021. A seminar will be held on Wednesday 27 January 2021 at the Commission’s Auckland office to talk through the key changes to the policy and to answer any questions submitters may have. Submissions close on 10 Feb 2021. https://comcom.govt.nz/news-and-media/media-releases/2020/commission-seeks-feedback-on-draft-cartel-leniency-and-immunity-policy

4 Dec 2020 - Law Commission issued a consultation seeking views on whether New Zealand should have class actions and litigation funding, with submissions closing on 11 March 2021.

https://www.lawcom.govt.nz/media-release/law-commission-seeking-views-class-actions-and-litigation-funding

4 Dec 2020 – MBIE advised that, as a result of recent changes to the legislation and regulation, the current Responsible Lending Code needs to be updated. A consultation has been opened on the draft updated Responsible Lending Code, with submissions closing on 15 January 2021.

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/updating-the-responsible-lending-code/

24 Nov 2020 – The Law Commission published its report titled, “The Use of DNA in criminal investigations”. The report’s recommendations include replacing the current law which the Commission states is neither comprehensive nor future proofed. Hon Kris Faafoi, Minister of Justice, acknowledged receiving the report and stated that the Government will now consider the report’s 193 recommendations. https://www.lawcom.govt.nz/our-projects/use-dna-criminal-investigations?#1627

24 Nov 2020 – The Police Financial Intelligence Unit published “The Suspicious Activity Report for Oct 2020. https://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/publications/fiu-monthly-report-oct-2020.pdf

25 Nov 2020 - NZX announced the permanent establishment of a Technology Committee to provide specialist governance oversight of the role and use of technology in executing NZX's strategy. https://www.nzx.com/announcements/363847

20 Nov 2020 - South Pacific Central Bank Governors' committed to cost effective remittances https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/news/2020/11/south-pacific-central-bank-governors-committed-to-cost-effective-remittances

24 Nov 2020 - Reserve Bank response to letter from Minister of Finance (on housing) https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/news/2020/11/reserve-bank-response-to-letter-from-minister-of-finance  Also note this link containing a link to the Minister’s letter to the RBNZ https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-review-housing-settings

25 Nov 2020 - New Zealand's financial system supported by health, fiscal and monetary policy responses (November 2020 Financial Stability Report) https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/news/2020/11/new-zealands-financial-system-supported-by-health-fiscal-and-monetary-policy-responses