Author(s): Mai Chen

Reference

The Public Law Toolbox will be an indispensable resource for lawyers, advocates and industry associations, business people, citizens and non-governmental organisations interfacing with government, and for Government and officials. All New Zealanders have to interface with Government, whether that be business regulation, getting government assistance or administrative decision-making. But not all citizens and businesses know how to successfully interact with government on a level playing field or challenge a government decision on a matter of administration or policy and law-making which detrimentally affects them. There is an entire "Toolbox" of public law mechanisms that sit alongside traditional commercial law remedies, which can help citizens and businesses successfully resolve government, regulatory or policy and law reform issues. Ministers, officials and regulators have unique obligations to be transparent and to act within the lawful limits of exercising public power. There is also a range of options apart from the courts to challenge government decision-making. The Public Law Toolbox will assist those wanting to influence policy and law reform issues for business or democratic reasons by describing the tools available to businesses and citizens to successfully enable them to make the most of these avenues. It will also assist those wanting to resolve disputes concerning administrative and Government decision-making, and advise businesses on how to use the toolbox to resolve disputes with competitors. The book will also assist Government and officials to understand their unique legal, transparency and accountability obligations and the risks that they face, taking political and public opinion factors into account.