Righteous Law - Alastair McClymont

12/09/2026

At Righteous Law we challenge ourselves with the complex cases, with those who are on the verge of giving up but there can be solutions and in this story I set out one such situation and the possible solution to obtain the desired result.

When Saret Hai got engaged to her partner, officials quickly approved of the relationship and issued a partnership visa. Then it was revoked.

11/09/2026

NZ First has called its latest announcement an immigration policy. I see something very different: a politics that portrays migrants as a threat, a burden and a harm to be managed. I take that personally.

Indian migrants in particular should be concerned about where this rhetoric is leading. When voting on 7 November, they should consider not only which parties promote this politics of division, but which parties may enable it by giving NZ First power in the next government.

My latest blog explains why this is not a genuine immigration policy, but a politics of division and hate.

03/09/2026

My response to ACT’s Permanent Resident Visa rule change proposal

Instead of addressing structural problems, we are getting proposals increasingly concerned with distinguishing between us and them.

25/08/2026

New Resident? Looking for a first home? Our Commercial team at Righteous Law are involved in a new buyer event in Karaka on 12th September

14/08/2026

As immigration becomes an increasingly prominent election issue, politicians are again talking about the need for migrants to assimilate, integrate and contribute to “social cohesion”. But what does social cohesion actually mean, and what should it reasonably require of migrants and the wider community? This article considers social cohesion as a combination of shared civic values, participation in public life and ordinary relationships across communities—without requiring migrants to surrender their cultural identity. It also asks whether aspects of our current immigration regime, together with rising anti-migrant rhetoric, may marginalise migrants and make the cohesion we seek more difficult to achieve.

Read the full article here:

Explore social cohesion in New Zealand, migrant integration, assimilation, cultural identity and immigration policy.

07/08/2026

In this week’s blog I examine Winston Peters’ recent comments through the lens of history and democratic principles. I discuss why political rhetoric matters, the lessons we can draw from 250 years of democratic development, and the importance of protecting respectful public discourse.

Read more in the link below.

Explore how New Zealand Democracy and Free Speech relate to symbolic political protest and the Winston Peters guillotine debate.

03/08/2026

In this week’s blog I explore whether New Zealand’s current immigration and border screening processes are sufficient when it comes to former IDF soldiers entering the country. I consider the legal issues involved, the importance of due diligence, and how international obligations should inform decision-making.

Read more in the link below.

Should New Zealand Immigration Character Requirements apply to former IDF soldiers? Explore the legal framework.

09/07/2026

Are the new Skilled Migrant Residency Pathways actually Residency Roadblocks for some?

To find out more about the upcoming Skilled Residency changes, and the potential roadblocks being put in the way of some READ MORE HERE:

Discover how new residence pathways may also create residency roadblocks for skilled migrants in New Zealand.

07/07/2026

Our Litigation partner at Righteous Law, Kalev Crossland, has created an online tool to help check whether online harassment and bullying meets the threshold of defamation. Try it out here and feel free to make contact if you are concerned that your reputation has been damaged by online harassment.

A free, confidential first look at your defamation, online-harm or reputation problem — and what to do next.

03/07/2026

In this week’s blog I discuss how recent changes to New Zealand’s immigration settings may affect Indian migrants pursuing residence opportunities. I look at the practical issues surrounding overseas work experience assessments, why these changes are attracting attention, and what applicants should consider when preparing their immigration plans.

Read more in the link below.

Learn how New Zealand immigration changes may affect Indian migrants, residence pathways, and overseas work experience.