0 Items Search

COVID-19 Useful Information

This page is regularly updated with relevant information for the legal profession. Return to this page often to stay up-to-date.

If you feel you have relevant information for the profession that you would like to share, please get in touch with reception@adls.org.nz.

4 April 2022

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann about revised court protocols that will be operational from Tuesday 5 April 2022.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

2 March 2022

Please see below a link to a letter to the members of the legal profession on the operation of the courts during the Omicron outbreak, on behalf of the Chief Justice.

Letter to the profession

21 February 2022

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice about court operations in Wellington for the week of 21 February 2022.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

18 February 2022

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice about the impact of protest action on the operation of the High Court and Court of Appeal in Wellington.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

9 February 2022

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann about revised court protocols that will be operational from Monday 14 February 2022.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

22 December 2021

On behalf of Justice Thomas, below is a link to a letter outlining modifications to the Jury Rules which will come into effect in January 2022 and a copy of the Protocol relating to the modification.

Jury rules modifications

Protocol relating to modifications

21 December 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice about court operations under the COVID-19 Protection Framework.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

3 December 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice about the operation of courts between 6 December 2021 and 31 January 2022.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

24 November 2021

As previously announced by the Government a sixth payment of the Resurgence Support Payment scheme (for the Alert Level increase which started on 17 August) will become open to applications from 8 am on Friday 26 November. Click the link below for more information.

6th Resurgence Support Payment

24 November 2021

The link below is a memo from the High Court titled, "Procedure - Second Appearance of Category 4 Offences in the High Court over the Christmas Period 2021-2022".

Procedure - Second Appearance of Category 4 Offences in the High Court over the Christmas Period 2021-2022

17 November 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice about the operation of courts in the Waikato under Alert Level 2.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

16 November 2021

A message from Marie Dyhrberg QC, ADLS President:

If you do not need to be at court in person, please do not go.
If you have to go to court, stay out of the courtroom until your matter is called.

Read the full message

12 November 2021

Please see below a link to the latest information regarding changes to the Resurgence Support Payment from Inland Revenue.

Resurgence Support Payment information

11 November 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice about jury trials and the Kaitaia District Court being back to Alert Level 2.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

4 November 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice about jury trials in Hamilton and the operation of the Kaitaia District Court under Alert Level 3.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

4 November 2021

The below is a link to cross-alert level boundary travel information as on the Courts of New Zealand website.

Cross-alert level boundary travel

28 October 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice about jury trials in Auckland being suspended for November.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

27 October 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice regarding the Supreme Court sitting in Auckland next month.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

22 October 2021

ALERT: Court Participant tests positive for COVID - Manukau Court.

Read the complete alert

19 October 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice about the operations of courts in Northland under Alert Level 2.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

13 October 2021

Please find below, a copy of the minute of Justice Moore regarding the special procedures for admission ceremonies under elevated COVID-19 Alert Levels. This Minute is issued in relation to all admission ceremonies scheduled in the Auckland High Court for the balance of this year, 2021.

His Honour directed for this minute to be forwarded to Auckland District Law Society.

Minute of Justice Moore

10 October 2021

The Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann has released the below media statement about jury trials in Auckland, media attending hearings remotely, court operations in the Waikato and Northland, and more.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

3 October 2021

The Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann has released the below media statement about the operation of all Waikato courts at Alert Level 3.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

22 September 2021

Please see the below links for District Court Protocol under Alert Level 3.

District Court Protocol - COVID-19 Alert Level 3

Profession Leaders - District Court Protocol

20 September 2021

The Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann has released the below media statement about the operation of courts when Auckland moves to Alert Level 3.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

15 September 2021

Please see below a link for an update from Land Information New Zealand concerning survey and title transaction services and COVID-19 responses.

An update from Toitū Te Whenua LINZ

12 September 2021

Please see the below links for key COVD-19 updates and accompanying information.

South Auckland Courts - COVID-19 Update

Guidelines for Counsel: Virtual Meeting Rooms

Contact List - Managers

Updated Alert Level 2 Protocol

Level 3 arrangements for South Auckland Courts

6 September 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice on the operation of the courts from Wednesday 8 September.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

3 September 2021

Important messages for businesses from Inland Revenue. Resurgence Support Payment (RSP), change in criteria.

Read notice from Inland Revenue

3 September 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice on jury trials in Alert Levels 2, 3 and 4

Chief Justice - Media Statement

3 September 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice on court arrangements for Northland at Alert Level 3 and Auckland at Alert Level 4.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

31 August 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the office of the Chief Justice on updated protocols for remote participation and remote viewing of hearings in the senior courts.

The office of the Chief Justice - Media Statement

27 August 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice on court arrangements in Alert Levels 3 and 4.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

24 August 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice on court arrangements until end of day, Friday 27 August, for COVID-19 Alert Level 4.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

21 August 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice on court arrangements for COVID-19 Alert Level 4.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

20 August 2021

The below is a summary and link to the brief update for South Auckland Courts.

Court Schedule for today, Friday 20 August - For Priority Proceedings Only
Administrative Adjournments of Non-Priority Proceedings Scheduled until Tuesday 24 August
Information for counsel who need to obtain instructions from clients in a Northern Region Prison
Manukau Court Deep Clean - Undertaken Thursday 19 August
Saturday Arrest Court for Tomorrow

Update for South Auckland Courts

19 August 2021

Please find a link below for the latest update from Inland Revenue regarding support available for businesses following the rise in alert levels announced by the Prime Minister on 17 August 2021.

Inland Revenue - Important message for businesses

18 August 2021

Please see the below links for an update from the South Auckland Courts and accompanying information.

17 August 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice on court arrangements for COVID-19 Alert Level 4.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

29 June 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice on the approach the courts will take from Wednesday 30 June onwards.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

25 June 2021

Please see below a link to a communication from the Chief Justice on the approach to be taken ahead of the Government's COVID-19 announcement on Sunday 27 June.

Communication from Chief Justice

12 March 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice on the arrangements for courts of New Zealand at COVID-19 Alert Level 1.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

5 March 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice on the court arrangments from Saturday 6 March.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

2 March 2021

Please see the below links for further information on South Auckland courts operating at Alert Level 3.

Guidelines for Counsel: Virtual Meeting Rooms

South Auckland courts contact list

2 March 2021

Please see the below links for an update on South Auckland courts operating at Alert Level 3.

South Auckland courts operating at Alert Level 3

Manukau and Southern Cluster Courts, Alert Level 3 operations

1 March 2021

Please see below a link for a further update on the current Auckland District Court arrangements.

Auckland District Court Arrangements

28 February 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice announcing the reinstatement of the Alert Level 2 and 3 protocols for the courts throughout New Zealand.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

22 February 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice regarding court arrangements from 18 February 2021.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

17 February 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice regarding court arrangements from 18 February 2021.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

15 February 2021

Please see below a link to the Employment Court protocol for COVID-19 under Alert Level 2 and 3.

Employment Court protocol

15 February 2021

Please see below Environment Court protocols for Alert Level 3 and Alert Level 2.

Alert Level 2 protocol - Wellington and Christchurch

Alert Level 3 protocol - Auckland

15 February 2021

Due to the change in alert levels, Court of Appeal hearings in Auckland will only be conducted by VMR. Court of Appeal hearings in Wellington will be conducted in person, however, counsel may elect to appear by VMR.

Remote hearings protocol

How to use VMR

Previous level 3/2 protocol

Also available on the Courts of New Zealand website .

14 February 2021

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice regarding the change to Alert Level 3 for Auckland and Alert Level 2 for the rest of the country.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

21 December 2020

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice about the appointment of three acting judges of the high court.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

6 October 2020

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice explaining court arrangements in Auckland from 8 October 2020.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

24 September 2020

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice explaining Court arrangements for the week beginning 28 September.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

22 September 2020

Please see below a link to the Environment Court updated protocol under alert level 1 for the Wellington and Christchurch registries.

Updated protocol

18 September 2020

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice explaining jury trials arrangements for the week beginning 21 September.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

3 September 2020

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice explaining the resumption of jury trials in Auckland from 7 September 2020.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

28 August 2020

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice providing information on wearing masks in court from Monday 31 August 2020.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

27 August 2020

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice providing information on jury trials for the week beginning 31 August 2020.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

14 August 2020

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice providing information on jury trials for the weeks beginning 17 and 24 August.

Chief Justice - Media Statement

12 August 2020

Please see below a link to an update on jury trials from the Chief Justice to the profession.

Chief Justice - update on jury trials

12 August 2020

Below is a link to the latest COVID-19 practice note from Court of Appeal. As well as the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal remote hearings protocol (updated 20 May 2020).
Instructions for Virtual Meeting Rooms (VMR) are also below

Court of Appeal Practice Note

Supreme Court and Court of Appeal remote hearings protocol

How to use VMR

11 August 2020

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice to the profession regarding court protocols.

Chief Justice Media Statement

Previous COVID-19 updates

Statement from ADLS President Marie Dyhrberg QC: The Impact of COVID-19

We are aware that many of you may be overwhelmed by correspondence from organisations setting out their responses to COVID-19.

We hesitate to add to that.

At the same time, as an organisation committed to supporting the legal profession, we feel it is important that we keep you informed and let you know some ways that we can best support you.

ADLS is committed to closely monitoring the situation as it develops and responding to the changing landscape in a way that best supports our members and the legal profession.

Please see below for helpful information and support from ADLS to the legal profession.

Know that we are committed to acting proactively in the face of the challenges ahead. Our priority is to support you as best we can in meeting your changing needs. Together, we will adapt to our new environment. Kia kaha to you all.

Yours sincerely

Marie Dyhrberg QC
ADLS President

Marie Dyhrberg QC, ADLS President

ADLS Deed of Lease

Please find below a link to the statement on ADLS' Deed of Lease.

Corrections amends ban on prison visits during lockdown

On 25 March - the day New Zealand went into COVID-19 level 4 alert - the Department of Corrections suspended all prison visits by legal advisers, specific visitors and statutory visitors.

It was a controversial move. On 3 April the ban was varied to allow for an exception where the visit was pre-approved.

Members can click here to read to correspondence laying out the issues from the Department of Corrections, Wellington barrister Dr Tony Ellis and Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Paul Hunt.

Getting ready for a safe return to work - Guidance for law firms and their clients

The ADLS Health & Safety Law Committee would like to direct practitioners to the many useful resources providing guidance available through WorkSafe's website.

Learn more

Legal Aid

The following information has been provided from Legal Aid:

Justice is deemed an essential service of which legal aid is an integral part
Whilst we will obviously be working at a reduced capacity we will be prioritising those essential services to ensure that applications are processed and invoices are paid
We are exploring ways to have our people working at home and in the office during the lockdown period

More information from Legal Aid will follow when we know more.

Business Debt Hibernation

Message from the Companies Office

We appreciate that you'll have many clients who have experienced tough times during COVID-19. Throughout this time, the Government has implemented a number of supports aimed at helping businesses remain viable and keep people in jobs.

One of these initiatives is Business Debt Hibernation as part of the COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (the Act), which received Royal Assent 15 May 2020. Read more about the legislation

The Companies Office has prepared this guide for professional users who are responsible for updating their client's details on the Companies Office registers. It summarises the process and provides links to the forms that will need to be completed for any business wishing to enter Business Debt Hibernation.

How lawful is our lock-down?

Auckland barrister Warren Pyke runs the rule over the government's response to COVID-19, the law and its enforcement.

Read the full article

Practical Guidance for Property Lawyers

Please see link below for the statement on the ADLS Deed of Lease Sixth Edition 2012 (5) clause 27.5 (no access in emergency).

Read ADLS Deed of Lease statement

On behalf of the ADLS Property Law Committee, see below a link to guidance for property lawyers under COVID-19 level 4.

Guidance for Property Lawyers

Practical Guidance for Property Lawyers in response to possible impacts of COVID-19 on conveyancing transactions.

View practical advice for property lawyers and conveyancers from Joanna Pidgeon

Response from Department of Internal Affairs to the ADLS Property Law Committee's Query concerning AML customer due diligence in view of COVID-19.

DIA's response

Anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism: Amended Identity Verification Code of Practice - 2013.

View the Amended Identity Verification Code of Practice 2013

The New Zealand Law Society's Property Law Section (PLS) has considered the pressing issue of property settlements at Level 4.

Read the full communication around settlements

Guidance on how LINZ is managing caveat lapsing applications in the current environment.

Read Lapsing of Caveats under s143 Land Transfer Act 2017

Events, CPD, and Committees

ADLS Committees

ADLS Committees will continue to meet via remote access to provide pragmatic guidance for practitioners on how best to respond to the current working environment in their various areas of practice.

ADLS Collegiality Events

The health and well being of members of the profession, our staff and the wider community is our highest priority. We are closely monitoring government-imposed restrictions, and advice on gatherings, as we navigate this pandemic. Events will only go ahead if it's considered safe to do so. If an event you are registered for is cancelled by ADLS you will receive a refund of the ticket price paid. We ask that you do not attend any events should you have cold or flu-like symptoms. For any questions or concerns please email events.

View our Collegiality Events page

ADLS CPD

CPD events impacted by lockdown will be postponed or moved to live stream. If this affects one of your bookings we will be in touch to provide alternative options.

View the current ADLS CPD calendar

Tools to support you

Digital Signing

ADLS' digital signing is an easy, convenient and secure tool that enables you to have documents signed remotely, and therefore continue to provide legal services to your clients.

Learn more
or phone 09 303 5283.

Digital platform for remote meetings

ADLS is supporting members by offering a new Virtual Meeting Room service to enable them to stay connected to their clients and colleagues in a safe and convenient way. Utilising Zoom, you will have your own virtual room to hold a meeting that can be accessed via phone or web for up to 300 people. The space is easy to use and collaborative making it simple to share documents and presentations with attendees.

Please email us for more information

Internet and text scams

We wanted to warn our members that three types of opportunistic COVID-19 scams have recently been identified.

Learn more

Where to find out more about COVID-19

Official Government websites and recognised international health bodies are reliable sources of information on COVID-19. Links to these sites can be found below:

Employer FAQ

One of ADLS' long time members and contributors, Peter Kiely, has prepared a summary of frequently asked questions as general practical guidance for managing employees.

You can access the FAQ here

Submissions

Environment Court and COVID-19: How will it work?

Please see below the pre-recorded webinar featuring an interview with Principal Environment Court Judge Newhook.

The webinar covers (inter alia) the Draft 3rd set of Directions and Advisory Note proposed for the operation of the Environment Court under Alert Level 2, dated 8 May 2020, which can be found here.

The Court invites comments and feedback from the profession, which can be provided through the ADLS Environment and Resource Management Committee: committeefeedback@adls.org.nz

Below is a pre-recorded webinar featuring representatives from three councils, talking about the impact of Covid-19 on their operations and going forward.

Migrant workers employment information

On-shore and off-shore migrant workers employment information

This resource was developed by the ADLS Immigration and Refugee Law Committee and the ADLS Employment Law Committee to assist employees and employers to get employment relationships back on track.

Migrant workers employment information

Migrant workers employment information - draft email for employees

Information on Courts, Tribunals and Government Agencies

20 July 2020

Immigration NZ Live Webinar on Essential Skills visa changes & COVID-19 related immigration policy changes

Thursday 23 July 2020, 9 am - 10 am.

8 June 2020

Please see below a link to a letter from the Chief Justice to the profession regarding the movement to alert level 1.

COVID-19 - movement to alert level 1

29 May 2020

Interview with ADLS President, Marie Dyhrberg QC with RNZ on Court changes.

Listen to interview

22 May 2020

Below is a link to a note issued by Chief Judge Taumaunu setting out the process for appeals against a public health order issued under section 11 of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020

Read note from Chief Judge Taumaunu

21 May 2020

Updated advice from the Employment Relations Authority about operations at Alert Level 2

Read update from the Authority

21 May 2020

Important message for businesses from Inland Revenue. The message offers clarification on an article publised on the Herald website

Read message from Inland Revenue

18 May 2020

Memo from ADHB regarding the Ministry of Health guidelines for lawyer access to clients for level 2

Read memo from Dr Allen Fraser

15 May 2020

A letter providing an update for court users on family court operations for level 2

Level 2 update for court users on family court operations

Auckland Metro Family contacts list

Letter from Judge Goodwin, relating to the South Auckland Family Courts

15 May 20

A health and safety during COVID-19 factsheet has been provided by the Ministry of Justice

Read the alert level 2 relevant fact sheet

15 May 2020

Court and tribunal operations in level 2

Read communication from the Ministry of Justice

13 May 2020

Employment Relation Authority COVID-19 Update

View update

13 May 2020

Employment Court, COVID-19 Protocol - under alert level 2

View protocol

13 May 2020

The New Zealand Parole Board has provided arrangements under COVID-19 Alert Level 2

View the update on arrangements

13 May 2020

Operation of the courts under COVID-19 alert level 2

View communication from the Chief District Court Judge

Source: https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/

12 May 2020

Alert level 2 Mental Health Act Guidance from the Ministry of Health

View guidance

12 May 2020

Concerns over lawyer-prisoner access led to a letter from NZLS to the Department of Corrections being sent on 5 May

Read the NZLS letter

The Department of Corrections responded on 12 May

Read the Department of Corrections response

12 May 2020

Immigration and Protection Tribunal Protocol for Level 2 (effective Monday 18 May 2020)

Review the protocol

8 May 2020

Draft court protocols for consultation
(NB These are draft versions and are subject to change)

View the draft protocols

8 May 2020

Rapid changes to legislation in Samoa of conern given its implications on the rule of law

Read response from ADLS to The Samoan Law Society

5 May 2020

Covid-19 Directions from the Environment Court Under Level 2

Read the directions

4 May 2020

Recently the Government announced more tax changes to assist NZ businesses to manage the impacts of COVID-19. Legislation has now been passed to bring some of these changes into effect.

Read the fourth update from Inland Revenue

28 April 2020

The New Zealand Law Society has provided COVID-19 related updates for the legal profession

Read the full update from NZLS

27 April 2020

Extra measure to observe COVID-19 Alert Level 3

View statement from the Chief District Court Judge

23 April 2020

Waitangi Tribunal COVID-19 Protocol: guidelines as to how the Waitangi Tribunal will operate in response to COVID-19.

View guidelines here: https://waitangitribunal.govt.nz/

23 April 2020

Operation of the courts under COVID-19 alert level 3

View communication from the Chief District Court Judge

23 April 2020

Operation of the courts under COVID-19 alert level 3

View communication from the Chief Justice

Source: https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/

21 April 2020

Update to counsel from the Employment Relations Authority

View update from ERA

21 April 2020

Updated advisory to counsel from the New Zealand Parole Board

View update from NZPB

20 April 2020

Department of Corrections guidance on changes in process for lawyers to access their clients in custody during COVID-19 restrictions

View Department of Corrections guidance

16 April 2020

An open letter to the Solicitor-General on the Solicitor-General's instructions to prosecutors during the COVID-19 lockdown

View letter

16 April 2020

Information for family law practitioners

familylaw.org.nz

16 April 2020

Epidemic Preparedness (Wills Act 2007 - Signing and Witnessing of Wills) Immediate Modification Order 2020

View the up-to-date document at legislation.govt.nz

15 April 2020

Guidelines approved by the Chief District Court Judge on unsworn affidavits and electronic filing

View Guidelines

15 April 2020

The Government is proposing to provide the Commissioner of Inland Revenue with discretion to temporarily vary dates, timeframes and procedural requirements specified under various Acts administered by Inland Revenue.

Further information is available here

15 April 2020

The Government announced a further set of proposed tax changes to assist NZ businesses with managing the impacts of COVID-19.

You can read the Government's announcement and fact sheets here

15 April 2020

Please upload the attached PDF to the website under the Covid-19 guidance from courts and government agencies section

Statement from the Department of Corrections on communication between lawyers and clients while in custody

15 April 2020

The Government announced a further set of tax proposals to help businesses manage the impacts of COVID-19.

Read the third update form Inland Revenue

15 April 2020

Supporting small and medium sized enterprises during the COVID-19 crisis

Read the fact sheet

8 April 2020

Operations of the courts under COVID-19

Read letter to practitioners from the Chief Justice

Source: https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/

8 April 2020

Updates from Inland Revenue: effect that COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) has had on the income and businesses of many of our customers. In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, Inland Revenue acknowledges that many customers will be coming under increasing financial pressure to pay their taxes in full and on time.

Read the second recent events update from Inland Revenue

8 April 2020

Director of Area Mental Health Services Auckland issues new AVL consent form to accompany clinical records authorisation form.

AVL consent form and clinical authorisation forms available

Consent to AVL form

Clinical records authorisation form

7 April 2020

COVID-19: New processes for bail, home detention and community-based sentences

Read the letter from Crown Law

2 April 2020

Further update from the Employment Relations Authority regarding arrangements during COVID-19 shutdown.

Read Employment Relations Authority update

2 April 2020

The Director of Area Mental Health Services Auckland has issued guidance on access to patient notes on HCC.

Read the ADHB memo

1 April 2020

Protection of Personal & Property Rights (PPPR) update for Auckland, Waitakere & North Shore Family court registries

Read guidance issued by Fiona Parkes, Manager Justice Services Auckland Civil and Family

31 March 2020

What businesses need to know from Inland Revenue.

Read the recent events update from Inland Revenue

31 March 2020

Please find below a link to an information update from Lloyd Gallagher, ADLS Member and Convenor of the ADLS Technology and Law Committee, regarding tax treatment of the Government Employer Wage Subsidy Scheme.

Information on Tax and Government Wage Subsidy Scheme

31 March 2020

As you may be aware, the Government announced a $12.1 billion package to support people and the economy. If your business has been impacted by COVID-19 you may be eligible for support.

31 March 2020

Please see link below for a quick reference guide to the Ministry of Justice - Connecting to Justice Virtual Meeting Rooms (VMR's).

Connecting to Justice VMR's - Quick Reference Guide

30 March 2020

Please see link below for information from the Auckland District Health Board on mental health hearings and client visits.

Mental Health Hearings and Client Visits

27 Mar 2020

Please see below a link to a media statement from the Chief Justice on restricting access to only those whose presence is required for court hearings.

Media statement from Chief Justice

Source: https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/

27 Mar 2020

Please see below a link to an announcement from the Chief Justice on advice to professions in regards to limiting members of public entering courthouse during COVID-19 alert level 4 .

Chief Justice advice to professions on entry to courthouse

Source: https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/

27 Mar 2020

Please see below a link to an announcement from the New Zealand Bar Association on excluding public from courts.

New Zealand Bar Association on entry to courts

27 Mar 2020

Please see below a link to an announcement from the Chief Justice regarding entry to District and High Courts during COVID-19 alert Level 4.

Chief Justice advice on entry to District and High Courts

Source: https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/

24 Mar 2020

The New Zealand Parole Board is taking proactive steps for the ongoing consideration of cases, in anticipation of an epidemic management notice being issued by the Government.

Advisory to Counsel

Mar 2020

For Employment Court updates relating to COVID-19, please refer to:

employmentcourt.govt.nz

24 Mar 2020

The Employment Relations Authority has postponed all investigation meetings scheduled for the next four weeks up to and including 24 April 2020.

View the full COVID-19 update

Mar 2020

Christchurch High Court operations under New Zealand COVID-19 alert levels.

Read the full details on the Christchurch High Court operations

Source: https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/

Mar 2020

Immigration and Protection Tribunal: how the COVID-19 Level 4 'lockdown' will affect the Tribunal and its work for at least the next four weeks.

Read the full message to the bar from Judge Spiller

Source: https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/

20 Mar 2020

The Environment Court and the Land Valuation Tribunal offer an update to parties, counsel, witnesses, and other participants in their processes about current activity and planning for COVID-19.

Environment Court and Land Valuation Tribunal update

Source: https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/

19 Mar 2020

Please see below a District Court Interim Response regarding the suspension of jury trials'. Dated Thursday 19 March 2020.

Suspension of Jury Trials'

Source: https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/

18 Mar 2020

A joint letter from CBA and NZLS has been sent to the Department of Corrections with suggestions about improving hygiene practices and enhancing access to justice with better use email communications between Counsel and clients.

Letter to Department of Corrections with suggestions

13 Mar 2020

Please see below a link to an announcement from the Chief Justice about planning for possible effects of a COVID-19 outbreak on court business.

Chief Justice advice to the profession of COVID-19 planning

Source: https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/

COVID-19 Useful Information

Lockdown: Member Hub

Previous COVID-19 updates

Statement from ADLS President Marie Dyhrberg QC: The Impact of COVID-19

ADLS Deed of Lease

Corrections amends ban on prison visits during lockdown

Getting ready for a safe return to work - Guidance for law firms and their clients

Legal Aid

Business Debt Hibernation

How lawful is our lock-down?

Practical Guidance for Property Lawyers

Events, CPD, and Committees

ADLS Committees

ADLS Collegiality Events

ADLS CPD

Tools to support you

Digital Signing

Digital platform for remote meetings

Internet and text scams

Where to find out more about COVID-19

Employer FAQ

Submissions

ADLS Written Submissions on the COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Amendment Bill

Joint Written Submissions by ADLS, NZAMI and NZAIP on the Immigration (Covid-19 Response) Amendment Bill

Environment Court and COVID-19: How will it work?

Migrant workers employment information

Information on Courts, Tribunals and Government Agencies