Sasha Borissenko

New Zealand

Freelance Journalist, Editor, PR Specialist and Consultant at Freelance

Legally inclined. NZH biz columnist. @AccessMediaNZ champion. Freelance work seen via VICE, NYT, Al Jazeera, & more. Thoughts = mine. Errors are a ironic joke.

Articles

Budget 2025: Justice reforms spark concerns over civil liberties - Sasha Borissenko

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sasha Borissenko

The prison population is expected to reach nearly 11,000 by mid-2026. Opinion by Sasha BorissenkoFreelance journalist who has reported extensively on the law industryLearn moreTHREE KEY FACTSThe prison population is expected to reach nearly 11,000 by mid-2026, up from 7500 in 2021. Budget 2025 allocates $245.5 million over five years to tackle court backlogs, but effectiveness is questioned. The Judicature (Timeliness) Legislation Amendment Bill aims to streamline case management and reduce delays.
Employment law changes are a setback for NZ workers - Sasha Borissenko

3 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sasha Borissenko

Minister of Workplace Relations Brooke van Velden has her sights set on reforming the Health and Safety at Work Act. Photo / Marty MelvilleOpinion by Sasha BorissenkoFreelance journalist who has reported extensively on the law industryLearn moreTHREE KEY FACTSThe Government passed the Equal Pay Amendment Bill, raising the threshold for pay discrimination claims. The Auckland Women Lawyers Association criticised the lack of due process in passing the legislation.
Banking on blame: Scam reforms too little, too late - Sasha Borissenko

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sasha Borissenko

We’re miles behind international best practice against bank scams. Photo / 123RFOpinion by Sasha BorissenkoFreelance journalist who has reported extensively on the law industryLearn moreTHREE KEY FACTS:The Banking Association plans to strengthen the Code of Banking Practice with tougher scam-prevention measures. Banks could be required to compensate victims up to $500,000, but the code is voluntary. Scams are rising, with 11% of adults experiencing fraud, yet only 10% reported to the police.
AI in courtrooms: Legal system grapples with GenAI challenges - Sasha Borissenko

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sasha Borissenko

AI tools can fabricate facts, leading to false case citations in court. Photo / 123rfOpinion by Sasha BorissenkoFreelance journalist who has reported extensively on the law industryLearn more There’s a curious irony in depending on artificial intelligence to deliver justice. The law is a slow-moving, deliberative beast, with centuries of precedent, careful interpretation and human judgment.
Why family trusts are no longer as attractive as they used to be - Sasha Borissenko

2 months ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sasha Borissenko

New Zealand intergenerational wealth gap keeps on growing. Photo / 123rfOpinion by Sasha BorissenkoFreelance journalist who has reported extensively on the law industryLearn moreTHREE KEY FACTSThe wealthiest 20% of households hold 69% of total household net worth, highlighting a growing inter-generational wealth gap. The trustee tax rate increased from 33% to 39% on income retained within most trusts.
Sasha Borissenko: Gender equality in law remains elusive despite initiatives

Mar 8, 2025 | nzherald.co.nz | Sasha Borissenko

Women make up 56% of lawyers but hold only 34% of equity partner positions. Opinion by Sasha BorissenkoFreelance journalist who has reported extensively on the law industryLearn moreTHREE KEY FACTSInternational Women’s Day was on March 8. Women make up 56% of lawyers but hold only 34% of equity partner positions. Initiatives like the Gender Equality Charter face criticism for lacking impact and meaningful change. I’ve come to look at International Women’s Day in two ways.
Golriz case serves warning Big Brother is here

Feb 22, 2025 | nzherald.co.nz | Sasha Borissenko

Opinion by Sasha BorissenkoFreelance journalist who has reported extensively on the law industryLearn moreTHREE KEY FACTSThe photo of Golriz Ghahraman being questioned in a supermarket was leaked by a Pak’nSave security guard. Samoa’s minister of police says he was the victim of a similar leak from Pak’nSave to undermine his political position. Security guards at Pak’nSave Manukau have been accused of trying to extort money out of shoppers, including taking their photographs.
Should the Law Society president have been reinstated? - Sasha Borissenko

Feb 8, 2025 | nzherald.co.nz | Sasha Borissenko

Frazer Barton has been cleared to return to work after five months of leave over conduct complaints. Opinion by Sasha BorissenkoSasha is a freelance journalist who has reported extensively on the law industry. Learn moreTHREE KEY FACTSFrazer Barton has been cleared to return to work after five months of leave over conduct complaints.
How ACC remains a bright spot in a turbulent world - Sasha Borissenko

Jan 25, 2025 | nzherald.co.nz | Sasha Borissenko

ACC's evolving journey: Balancing community needs and financial challenges. Photo / 123RFOpinion by Sasha BorissenkoFreelance journalist who has reported extensively on the law industryLearn moreTHREE KEY FACTS:Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) levies are increasing amid an independent review due to performance concerns. ACC reported a $7.2 billion deficit, with rising costs and increased injury and compensation claims.
Rush to pass laws makes for bad government - Sasha Borissenko

Jan 11, 2025 | nzherald.co.nz | Sasha Borissenko

Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke speaks to hīkoi members who displayed their opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill last year. Photo / Getty ImagesOpinion by Sasha BorissenkoSasha Borissenko is a freelance journalist who has reported extensively on the legal industry. Learn moreTHREE KEY FACTSTens of thousands marched against the Treaty Principles Bill, leading to unprecedented submissions and website issues.