1. NZIPI Update<br />Since our last update the new Act has commenced and for licensed private investigators, a new Code of Conduct. I reported last moth about the lack of communication from MOJ and the Code was received at 5.30pm on the Eve of the Act commencing, without any discussion and is arguably a lesson on how not to write legislation.<br />The Code of Conduct written by MOJ came with Explanatory Notes complied by the government and the two conflict entirely. The Act came into power with the old Section 52 removed and the Notes gave the reasons for this removal, summarising that it was time New Zealand, the only country in the world to have such a draconian law, allowed PI’s to have the same powers as everyone else and to be able to take photos and videos of offenders, etc. Yet the staffers at MOJ ignored this logic, arguably in contravention of a government direction, and wrote a Code that says where we can photograph or video, but then goes on to say that we cannot use “Optical Equipment”.!!! Perhaps, we should give a prize to anyone who can come up with a way to photograph or video without using something optical. One PI pointed out that even a rear view mirror is optical.<br />Still, I am sure the government will see fit to resolve this ambiguity once they consider the nonsense of the Code which has left the DIA who have been handed responsibility of enforcing the new Act scratching their heads.<br />Applications for renewal of licence and COA’s are well underway but we have just been told that PI’s are not issued a proper licence like before although security guards still get one. Instead we get an A4 piece of paper. The rationale being that we don’t have to wear it on our person. This is currently the subject of much debate and again it seems not a lot of though, certainly no communication has been employed in determining the new policy.<br />Another recent change that affected Professional Investigators was the removal of Motochek information on owners of vehicles. NZIPI employed the services of a Barrister and a special committee worked tirelessly to secure a good relationship and appreciation of the rules. The results were circulated to our members and to date our applications are being approved. This initiative is exactly what NZIPI stands for and the time put in by our special committee members requires full acknowledgement, they were: Mike Campbell (Vice Chairman), Nick Thompson, Murray Towers and Dan Thompson.<br />Ron McQuilter - Chairman NZIPI www.nzipi.org.nz <br />Today’s Spy Van versus Yesterday<br />I recall the urgent RT message….help, help, they are going to overturn the van… We had parked up the Ford Transit right next to the picket line with curtains on the window and an agent inside. Unfortunately, the curtain had somehow got caught in the side door and a little bit of material was sticking out. One bored picketer started pulling the material and almost fell over when he saw it being pulled back inside !!! The events that followed are obvious and the agent was lucky not to have ended up in hospital.<br />Today’s PI’s have vans with full signwriting, totally obscured and with cameras inside that can record for days and which can be monitored remotely. (Paragon’s van pictured) Not so much fun, but then again a lot safer. <br />