The Council has written to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, about its recent report, Review of the policing of public protests in New Zealand. We know that IPCA is not subject to the Official Information Act 1982, but we are asking them for information gathered during the course of producing its report anyway. Keep reading “Freedom to protest – Letter to IPCA”
The Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill creates several new criminal offences. However, it is very broadly drafted, meaning people engaging in legitimate political activities, such as protests, could face sentences of up to 10 years in jail. The Bill also empowers the Police to carry out searches related to these offences without having to get a search warrant. We oppose the bill and have also recommended amendments. Keep reading “Submission: Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill”
The Council believes that biometric processing is a significant threat to our liberties and our democracy. The Council re-iterates our call for a ban on Remote Biometric Identification (RBI). The Council recommends that a biometrics code under the Privacy Act should not be adopted. Keep reading “Privacy Commission Biometrics Consultation”
The Council's response to a consultation by the Ministry of Justice on the draft of a voluntary Code of Conduct for lobbyists. We're concerned by the definition of 'lobbyist' and how weak the draft Code is. Keep reading “Submission on the Draft Voluntary Code of Conduct for lobbyists”
This Bill is a gross infringement of our civil liberties including the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of peaceful assembly. The Council recommends that the Committee reject this Bill in its entirety. Keep reading “Submission: Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill”
The Council condemns this bill in the strongest terms. The word for Police interactions “without having reasonable grounds to suspect that any offence has been, is being, or will be committed” is harassment. Keep reading “Submission: Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Bill”
The concept of this process as a ‘civil action’ is no more than a convenient fiction to seize the assets of people who have not been convicted of any crime. Keep reading “Submission: Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Amendment Bill”
The Council fears that we could continue to surrender our liberties indefinitely and the Police will still claim to lack the tools to manage gangs. Keep reading “Submission – Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Bill”