Legal Advice to Actors Says Law is No Problem

NZ Actors' Equity has reviewed a media statement from the Office of the Hon Christopher Finlayson released this evening.

This states that Crown Law has advised the Minister that The Hobbit's movie producers are prevented by the Commerce Act from entering into a union negotiated agreement with performers who are independent contractors.

The legal advice obtained by NZ Actors' Equity from Mr James Craig, Partner, Simpson Grierson (a summary of which is attached) is that there are lawful means consistent with the provisions of the Commerce Act which can be used to move the issue forward. "We have advised NZ Actors' Equity that with goodwill on all sides there are lawful ways in which this matter can be resolved. The Commerce Act need not be an impediment to resolving the situation." said Mr Craig

"My knowledge of the producers is that they are people of goodwill. I am sure they would want to explore all lawful means by which these issues could be moved forward and resolved." said NZ Actors' Equity President Jennifer Ward-Lealand.

View a summary of their legal position here.

ENDS

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