The Law Lady: Recent Episodes
Angela Solomons, Taranaki Community Law
Angela Solomons from Taranaki Community Law presents this informative legal show. A new topic covered every fortnight with advice as to where you can go to get the best help you need.
The government have announced they will change the law around consent when it comes to sex crimes. We already have laws about consent and sex so why does it matter? The Law Lady breaks down what the law currently says, and what the proposed changes would be. Note this show talks about consent and sexual crimes, listener discretion is advised. Please seek support if anything in this episode is triggering for you.
Are migrant workers protected in NZ? And how can we do better as a country to stop migrant exploitation? Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) have produced Kia Manaaki I te manene respecting and protecting migrant workers, and the Law Lady breaks it down. Find out what migrant exploitation can look like, how widespread it is and what actionable steps can be taken to prevent migrant exploitation in Aotearoa NZ.
Are you confused about the law change for Contractors? Want to learn more about how it all works? Listen to the Law Lady as she explains the new contractor gateway test and how it fits in with the current law.
Disability Support Services want to hear from you about their services. What should they be focused on? How can they be better joined up? What else do you want to tell them about the disability services you receive? Listen to the Law Lady to find out what the consultation is about, and how you can give feedback on these services.
The government have introduced the Disability Support Services Bill with the aims of creating a clear legal foundation and clarifying the employment status of family members caring for their loved ones with disabilities. Listen to the Law Lady to find out the long and difficult legal history that lead to this possible law change, and the concerns people have about what this law will do for people receiving disability support services.
There's a new law criminalising stalking. Stalking is a devastating form of abuse. What kinds of things does the new law cover? How many times does it need to happen? And why didn't we have this already? Listen to the Law Lady to find out all the details.
What are broadcasting standards? Who do they apply to, and how do they work? Listen to the Law Lady to find out what media is covered by the Broadcasting Standards Authority and what isn’t after the BSA decided that the website The Platform was covered by the Broadcasting Act.
There are some changes to the amount of money people receive from the 1st of April. But what are they, and who gets these payments? Listen to the Law Lady as she breaks down the new minimum wage, benefit changes and the fuel crisis payments. She’ll explain who is eligible for the in work tax credit increase and what you might have to do.
Have you received a parking ticket and didn’t think it was right? Not sure how it works? Listen to the Law Lady as she breaks down the difference between public and private car parking, and what to do if you want to dispute a breach notice you’ve received.
If you couldn’t drive or catch public transport, how would you get around? The government are making changes to the Total mobility scheme, which supports people who can’t otherwise get transport to where they need to go. Listen to the Law Lady to find out what the 6 proposals are, how they will affect people in the scheme and how you can have your say about these changes.
The government have introduced new court orders where there is abuse of the court processes. Listen to the Law Lady to find out what Litigant Abuse orders are, who they apply to, how they work and what happens if you are subject to one.
Have you been hit by the cost of school uniforms? What is the law on school uniforms? Who decides what a school uniform should look like, and do we even have to have one? Plus find out what Tika Tangata the Human Rights Commission has to say about school uniform policies.
EVERY Incorporated Society needs to take actions as a result of the new Incorporated Societies Act.- You will need to re-register your society and update your constitution in line with the new legislation- You have until 5 April 2026.- If you fail to comply your Society will cease to exist. Listen to the Law Lady as she breaks down the key things you need to do.
Want a pet and renting? How do you get consent to have one and when can your landlord refuse? Listen to the Law Lady to find out what reasonable grounds to refuse are, and what kind of reasonable conditions your landlord can impose. Plus, what are pet bonds? These changes apply from 1st December to all tenancies.
Accompanying show description: Want a pet and renting? How do you get consent to have one and when can your landlord refuse? Listen to the Law Lady to find out all the ins and outs of pets and tenancy. These changes apply from 1st December to all tenancies.
Accompanying show description: The Supreme Court have ruled that carers of adults with significant disabilities can be homeworkers and may be entitled to more money than they are currently getting. Listen to the show where the Law Lady breaks down the history that got us to this decision and what it means for those caring for a loved one with a disability. Plus a return of the flashback noise!
Have you thought about your care arrangements for Christmas and the holidays? The sooner you organise care, the better things will be for your kids. Listen to the Law Lady to find out what to think about when it comes to sorting out this time of year. Don’t leave it too late to organise a less stressful time for your kids.
Do you want to take time off over Christmas? Do you have to? Listen to the Law Lady to find out what you (and your boss) can and can’t do when it comes to annual leave.
Is there any time you don’t have to wait 2 years to get a divorce? Listen to the Law Lady to find out about the new rules where you have a protection order. This is the biggest change to our divorce law in 40 years and if you have a protection order you need to know what this means. Tune into the Law Lady to find out.
What is a divorce, and how to do you get one? Can you get one by yourself or do you both need to agree? Listen to the Law Lady to find out.
We’re talking about Incorporated Societies. Do you have to reregister by April 2026? What happens if you don't? Listen to the show to find out more.
Te Reo Māori is an official language of Aotearoa/NZ, but what does that actually mean? Can you communicate with the Govt in te reo? And what about Court proceedings? Listen to the Law Lady to find out.
From 1 July all rental homes in NZ have to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. Find out when exemptions apply and what you can do if you don’t think your rental property meets these standards.
Angela Solomons from Taranaki Community Law presents this informative legal show. A new topic covered every fortnight with advice as to where you can go to get the best help you need. From 1 July all rental homes in NZ have to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. Find out what these are, and who is responsible for making sure your home meets them. This episode is part two.
From 1 July all rental homes in NZ have to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. Find out what these are, and who is responsible for making sure your home meets them.
Find out what the Ombudsman does, and how they can help with 4,000 government and school agencies.
Angela Solomons from Taranaki Community Law presents this informative legal show. A new topic covered every fortnight with advice as to where you can go to get the best help you need.
Angela Solomons from Taranaki Community Law presents this informative legal show. A new topic covered every fortnight with advice as to where you can go to get the best help you need.
Angela Solomons from Taranaki Community Law presents this informative legal show. A new topic covered every fortnight with advice as to where you can go to get the best help you need.
The minimum wage has increased to $23.50. Find out the ins and outs of the minimum wage.
Angela Solomons from Taranaki Community Law presents this informative legal show. In this week's episode Angela explains what submissions are and how to make them.
Should we have the right to repair consumer goods? What does the Consumer Guarantees Right to Repair Bill say, and how does the process of becoming law work?
Angela discusses the recent changes to the Tenancy Act, which came into effect on 30 January 2025
Who can receive the School Start Payment and Extraordinary Care Fund, and how do you go about applying for these?
What are your rights as a consumer when you receive a service? Find out about the Consumer Guarantees Act.
What are your consumer rights when you purchase something? Find out about the Consumer Guarantees Act
Does Santa have to obey the law? And, which laws, if any, affect how he operates? It's all a bit more complicated than you might think.
Recommendations by the Royal Commission for the present and future care systems. "The findings call for a complete overhaul of Aotearoa New Zealand's state and faith-based care systems
Angela unpacks some of the factors that led to abuse, including undervaluing the workforce, a lack of accountability, and dehumanisation. We also look at the recommendations made for redressing past wrongs.
Reports from Martin Jenkins and DoT cover data that attempt to get some idea of the prevelance of abuse in State & Faith based care settings. Listener discretion is advised as types of abuse are mentioned.
Content Warning - This episode talks about various types of abuse suffered by some people in state care in some detail - listener discretion is advised
What are the demographics of survivors of state and faith best abuse in this case? Where did the abuse and neglect take place?
Find out about the historical context of why the inquiry came about and the number of people involved.
The show is about the Harmful Digital Communications Act – what it is, when it applies and what you can do if you think you have suffered serious emotional distress.
The show is about Defamation: the Rainbow Storytime defamation case against Brian Tamaki and others associated with Destiny Church.
Open Justice is about giving people a fair trial and allowing justice to be seen to be done. It is a fundamenbtal part of a good justice system.
Grayson v Swift - what does it mean to be a motor vehicle trader? Can you make someone refund your money if you bought a flood-damaged car?
Find out the rules for candidate donations and what the consequences of breaking these rules are.
My show is about Trial Periods in Employment. What you need to know about who they apply to, how they work and when they are valid.
What are your rights when haunting a house? Can you evict a ghost from your house? Find out the legal rights of ghosts.
From 1 April the minimum wage will increase from $22.70 to $23.15 per hour. The Law Lady talks about how this works and some things to consider.
Talking about changes that Whaikaha (the Ministry for disabled people) have made to their purchasing guidelines, including reducing flexibility for carers and family/whānau when it comes to kinds of support they can receive funding for.
Discussion about the proposed Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill, including what the proposed principles are and how they differ from the current principles.
Talking about the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, where they come from, and why they are relevant.
What does the Principles of the Treaty Bill mean? Find out the legal history That has led to this piece of legislation.
Find out what's in store for the Law Lady in 2024, and find out how to listen to important past shows.
Find out more about the alcohol licencing process, who's involved and how to object to an alcohol licence.
People who are trans experience significantly more challenges as services often aren't responsive to people's needs. Learn how to better support trans clients and colleagues and why it matters.
Do you want to know how Taranaki Community Law fits in with the rest of the country? Find out about the CLCA and what they do.
The show is about the difference between Incorporated Societies and Charitable Trusts. Specifically the differences in governance and charitable purposes.
Angela talks General Election, including the dates for voting, how to enrol and why its important to take part in the general election.
The government is proposing changes to retirement villages and how they operate. Have your say on what should be covered by retirement law.
How does the defence of insanity work when you've been charged with murder? Is it a get-out-of-jail-free card? The Law Lady breaks this defence down.
Paid Parental Leave is increasing by 7.7% on 1st July 2023. Learn how parental leave works and what you have to do to apply for it.
Supreme court decision finding that polyamorous relationships can be qualifying relationships under the Property Relationship Act.
Angela talks about changes to birth certificates. From 15 June 2023, people will be able to self-identify their sex on their birth certificates by applying to DIA.
The Incorporated Societies Act comes into force from October. Find out more about the new requirements for all Incorporated Societies
Minimum employment rights, including annual leave, sick leave, parental leave, and rest and meal breaks.
Talking about Taranaki Maunga gaining legal personhood. What that means, and how it will work in practice.
1 April is the day that the minimum wage increases to $22.70/hr and that benefits rates increase. These increases will also have an impact on other payments people receive - Angela explains what this means.
Tenancy and Natural Disasters – what you need to know if your tenancy property has been damaged in a natural disaster.
This show is about leaving a tenancy property when you are the victim of family violence. What your legal requirements are, and the information that needs to be provided to your landlord. Please note this show does discuss family violence and its forms, so listener discretion is advised.
Talking about Law related education and community engagements. I can talk about almost any law-related topic throughout Taranaki. I can also attend events and raise awareness of our service.
Angela Solomons from Taranaki Community Law lets you know what happens when you come in for an appointment at Community Law
How to get in touch with us, questions our administrator will ok, criteria for our service, and where our outreach services are.
Talking about fixed-term employment, who can be a fixed-term employee, genuine reasons for fixed-term employment, and seasonal work.
Talking about Christmas shutdowns, what they are, how they work, and what this means for employees.
Find out what the Supreme Court has to say about lowering the voting age and whether voting at 18 is discriminating.
My show today is about Fraud Awareness. How to spot when you have been scammed, and simple tips to protect yourself from scams.
The show is about: Productivity Commission’s Interim report, A Fair Chance for All. Find out what system shifts the Productivity Commission thinks our government should make to reduce/eliminate persistent disadvantages in NZ. It’s a follow-up to my last show about the barriers identified by the Productivity Commission.
The Productivity Commission has produced an interim report titled 'A Fair Chance For All". The Law Lady breaks down the barriers and recommendations.
This show is about voting in local elections. It's a key part of our democracy and the people we elect have a significant impact on our lives.
My show today was about the new Incorporated Societies Act and what this means for groups (both incorporated and otherwise) in NZ. I’m joined by Marcia Millard from the Wheelhouse who can help groups to prepare for these changes and provide training for them.
Repeal of the 3 strike law, why it was repealed, how the law worked, and what this means now in terms of criminal sentencing,
Talking about the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022, and what this means for Incorporated societies – essentially that all incorporated societies will have to reregister by April 2026 and this will mostly mean substantial changes to their constitutions.
People with disabilities are at significantly greater risk of family violence and mainstream services don't always recognize this, or provide the right support.
Talking about school uniform policies, the laws that lie underneath them and the guidelines set out by the Human Rights Commission.
Angela Solomons from Taranaki Community Law discusses the recent employment court decision declaring that three former members of Gloriavale were employees from the age of 6 years.
Talking about the difference between employees and independent contractors. This is all about the facts of your situation, and there are three tests: Control, integration and fundamentals.
Find out about the new public holiday of Matariki, and when you should get paid for a public holiday.
Learn what the minimum wage is, and answer some common questions about how it works in practise.
Find out about the Traffic Light System changes from 25th March, and Vaccine Mandate changes from 4th April.
I talk about the recent Court decision involving the Police and Defence Force covid mandate, why this mandate is not a reasonable limit on people’s rights, and why this is specific only to this group of people.
With special guest Jonathan Petterson, solicitor at Community Law. Plain language requirements for government agencies and what this means.
Today Angela discusses Tova O'Brien's Restraint of Trade case - what this means, how they work, and the specific outcome of this one
Talking about the red light traffic light setting, including what you need to know as an employee.
When are workers are required to be vaccinated under the traffic light vaccine mandate. Difference between gatherings and events.
Talking about the traffic light rules, specifically public places, gatherings and events, and ages that it applies to.
Angela talks about the Education and Disability Health sector mandates, who they do and don't apply to, and organisations obligations.
General laws around the COVID vaccine. Looking into the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Human Rights Act.
CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of termination of pregnancy.
The high court's decision to allow ACC funding for a young woman who was born with spina bifida. Her birth was the result of a treatment injury.
When can an agency collect information about your vaccine status, how does collection and disclosure work under the privacy act.
ACC doesn't currently cover birth injuries where these are caused by the baby, but an amendment from 2022 will change that and allow 7 birth injuries to be covered.