The Law Lady

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.

What is a 'trial period'? When are they valid and does it have to be explained?

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.

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.

Want to know how the Law Lady makes her show? Listen in!

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.