New Year ushers in new laws

5.00pm

The new year has brought the advent of some new laws for New Zealand, including the establishment of the Supreme Court.

From today the Supreme Court will be New Zealand's final court of appeal.

It replaces the London-based Privy Council and will begin hearing cases in July.

The first of rules under the Smoke-Free Environments Act also comes into force today.

They ban smoking at schools and early childhood education centres.

The bulk of the law, relating to workplaces, bars and other public places, will come into effect later this year.

Also from today, transmission business BCL officially separates from TVNZ.

The new state owned enterprise will focus on generating profits from opportunities here and in Australia.

- NZPA