Review Of Privacy

Opened 12 Oct 2006

Contact Details

• Ewan Morris
• emorris@lawcom.govt.nz
• 04 914 4821

Publications to date

12 Oct 2006		Terms of Reference
13 Sep 2007		Press Release
13 Sep 2007		Issues Paper
1 Nov 2007		Miscellaneous Paper
8 Feb 2008		Press Release
8 Feb 2008		Study Paper
19 Feb 2008		Report
19 Feb 2008		Press Release
26 Feb 2008		Press Release
6 Mar 2009		Press Release
6 Mar 2009		Issues Paper

Public Law
This project involves four stages, with publications at each stage. Stage 1: Policy Overview was a high-level analysis to assess privacy values, changes in technology, international trends, and their implications for New Zealand law. It was completed in 2008 with publication of a study paper. Stage 2: Public Registers was a consideration of the law relating to Public Registers and whether it requires systematic alteration as a result of privacy considerations and emerging technology. The Commission recommended a review of all public registers against a template set out in the report, with the resulting legislative changes to be introduced by way of a single omnibus Bill. The report was published in 2008 but the recommendations will not be considered by Government until the Commission completes its review of the Privacy Act 1993. Stage 3: Invasions of Privacy will consider and report on the adequacy of New Zealand’s civil and criminal law to deal with invasions of privacy. An issues paper was published in March 2009 and submissions have been received. The Commission is now drafting its final report for stage 3, expected to be completed at the end of 2009. Stage 4: Review of the Privacy Act 1993 is a general review of the statute with a view to updating it. The Commission is currently drafting an issues paper and will invite public submissions on this. The final report for stage 4 will be released in 2010.