The legal parameters of search and seizure in New Zealand have undergone significant refinement in recent times. A notable illustration is the Court of Appeal’s judgment in R v Pikia [2024] NZCA 408, which examined how the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) exercised its broad statutory powers to obtain documents and information from multiple sources. This blog post explores the judgment’s key takeaways and contemplates their likely impact on search warrant or surveillance device warrant applications across the law enforcement spectrum.

The Gangs Act 2024, which came into effect in November 2024, represents a significant shift in New Zealand’s approach to tackling organised crime and gang-related activity. The Act introduces measures such as banning public displays of gang insignia, granting police new dispersal powers, and implementing non-consorting orders to prevent known gang members from associating with one another. But will it work?

In New Zealand, the Police and other enforcement agencies generally require a search warrant to search items on your person, your vehicle, or property. However, there are circumstances where they have the legal authority to conduct a search without a warrant. Understanding your rights and obligations in these situations is crucial to protecting yourself and ensuring that any law enforcement officer follows the law themselves.

Being approached by the police can be an unsettling experience, especially if you find yourself under investigation. Whether you’ve been formally arrested or are simply being questioned, understanding your rights during a police investigation is crucial. Knowing what to do and how to respond can significantly impact the outcome of your case. This guide explains your rights, how to handle police questioning, and when you should contact a lawyer.

Facing serious criminal charges can be an incredibly stressful experience, and one of the first concerns many people have is whether they will be granted bail. Bail allows a person charged with an offence to remain in the community while waiting for their case to be resolved, rather than being held in custody. However, when it comes to serious criminal charges, the process of obtaining bail becomes more complex.