Business law in New Zealand

Legal Framework

Independence of Justice

The judiciary system is independent in New Zealand.

Equal Treatment of Nationals and Foreigners

Foreign nationals can expect an impartial trial from the country’s judicial system.

The Language of Justice

English and Maori are, as the country official languages, the two judicial languages used in New Zealand.

Recourse to an Interpreter

It is possible to have access to an interpreter in New Zealand.

Sources of the Law and Legal Similarities

The New Zealand system is modeled on English Common Law and certain statutes of the United Kingdom Parliament enacted before 1947 (notably the Bill of Rights of 1689). The main source of the law is the Constitution and statutes of the New Zealand Parliament. The Constitution is composed of a series of legal documents, including The Constitution Act of 1986. The legal system is based on English law, but also has special land legislation and courts for the country’s Maori population. New Zealand generally accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction. 

Checking National Laws Online

NZ Legislation
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