The Law Commission is undertaking a review of the Criminal Investigations (Bodily Samples) Act 1995, which regulates the Police’s powers to collect and use DNA in investigating crime. The Commission’s review aims to determine whether the Act is fit for purpose and identify areas for improvement.
Since the collection and use of DNA raises significant privacy issues, the Law Commission is placing a particular emphasis on ensuring New Zealanders’ right to privacy is sufficiently protected under the Act.
The Commission is seeking submissions on the questions provided in its issues paper (https://dna-consultation.lawc