Strengthening the rule of law: insights into protecting the rule of law in Aotearoa New Zealand

While critical to upholding democracy, as of 2024, the rule of law had declined globally for the seventh year in a row. Aotearoa New Zealand’s rule of law rankings have also declined in that time, and we may already be seeing challenges to the rule of law from other jurisdictions ‘creep’ into our own.

To assist in preventing this decline, the New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa has engaged with members of the legal profession to identify some of the key challenges to the rule of law in Aotearoa New Zealand today. Its report, Strengthening the rule of law in Aotearoa New Zealand, discusses these challenges, and makes practical recommendations to strengthen and protect the rule of law.

The Law Society, in partnership with LexisNexis, will launch the report on Wednesday, 25 June at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, where Law Society President Frazer Barton will present some of the report’s key findings.

Featuring insights from LexisNexis, as well as a panel discussion with Professor Geoff McLay, Debra Angus, Tim Stephens KC, and Dr Unaisi Narawa, the event will offer attendees an opportunity to reflect on the current state of the rule of law in Aotearoa New Zealand, and engage in constructive discussion about its future. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the Panellists.

The event will be livestreamed, and those attending in person are invited to join us after the event for drinks and nibbles at the Faculty of Law.

Registrations close at 12pm on 18 June for in-person attendance, and 23 June for online attendance. Attendees will receive 1 CPD point.