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· To advise on any aspect of the law of New Zealand conducted by any
Government Department or organisation and on proposals made as a result
of the review.
· To advise the Minister of Justice on ways in which the law of New Zealand
can be made as understandable and as accessible as is practicable.
207. There are two matters that the Commission is enjoined by the Law Commission
Act to look to when making its recommendations. First, the Commission must
take into account te ao Maori (the Maori dimension) and shall also give
consideration to the multicultural character of New Zealand society (section
5(2)(a)). Secondly, the Commission must have regard to the desirability of
simplifying the expression and content of the law, as far as that is practicable
(section 5(2)(b)).
Powers and Responsibilities of the Law Commission
208. The Law Commission has all such powers as are reasonably necessary or
expedient to enable it to carry out its functions (section 6). Significantly, it may
itself initiate proposals for the review, reform, or development of any aspect of
the law of New Zealand. The Law Commission is not dependent on referrals
from any Minister such as the Minister of Justice or the Attorney-General.
209. The Law Commission may also provide advice and assistance to any
Government Department or organisation considering the review, reform, or
development of any aspect of the law of New Zealand.
210. At the same time, the Law Commission has the following responsibilities
(section 7):
· Preparation and submission to the Minister of Justice of annual
programmes for the review of appropriate aspects of the law of New
Zealand, with a view to their reform or development.
· Upon request of the Minister of Justice examination of any aspect of the
law of New Zealand.