New Zealand

R v Thompson - Manslaughter Sentencing

The High Court of New Zealand has sentenced a defendant to five years imprisonment for manslaughter. The sentence reflects the use of a lethal weapon in anger, with reductions applied for a guilty plea, remorse, and the impact on the defendant's child.

Bhalla v District Court - Judicial Review of Election Decision Dismissed

The New Zealand High Court dismissed an application for judicial review of a District Court decision concerning the 2025 Papatoetoe Subdivision election for the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board. The court found that Section 103 of the Local Electoral Act precludes judicial review of the District Court's factual inquiries in this matter.

Salt v R - Sentence Appeal Allowed

The New Zealand Court of Appeal has allowed a sentence appeal in Salt v R, reducing the minimum period of imprisonment from 12 years to 11 years. The court found the original minimum period of imprisonment to be manifestly excessive given the circumstances of the offense and mitigating factors.

Kapa-Kingi v Tamihere - Judicial Review of Party Leadership Suspension

The New Zealand High Court granted in part an application for judicial review concerning the suspension and expulsion of a Te Pāti Maori MP. The court declared the party's resolutions to suspend and expel the applicant unlawful under the party's constitution and ordered her reinstatement as a member.

Watson v R - Criminal Appeal

The New Zealand Supreme Court has issued its judgment in the case of Watson v R, dated March 10, 2026. The judgment number is [2026] NZSC 15. The full decision is available in PDF format.

FMA Expands FinTech Sandbox for Wider Support

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand is expanding its FinTech sandbox pilot to offer an on-ramp or restricted licence for innovative firms. This initiative aims to support FinTech innovation and competition while managing consumer risks, building on insights from the current pilot.

FMG Admits Misleading Statements, Pays $2.1 Million Penalty

FMG Insurance Limited has admitted to fair dealing breaches under the Financial Markets Conduct Act, following an FMA investigation. The company will pay $2.1 million in lieu of a pecuniary penalty and has remediated affected customers.

FMA Seeks High Court Orders to Liquidate Chance Voight Group Entities

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) of New Zealand is seeking High Court orders to liquidate six entities within the Chance Voight Group. The FMA is also requesting the release of an interim liquidation report from PwC, which is currently under suppression.

Former NZ financial adviser David McEwen sentenced and banned

Former New Zealand financial adviser David McEwen has been sentenced and banned for seven years following his conviction on four charges of breaching an FMA Stop Order. He was fined $15,000 for continuing to seek money from former clients after the order was issued.

ASB Ordered to Pay $2.1m for Fair Dealing Breaches

The High Court has ordered ASB Bank to pay $2.1 million for fair dealing breaches related to insurance products and banking services. These breaches affected over 25,000 customers, who were refunded approximately $4.7 million by the bank.