Modernising courts & tribunals

The Ministry and the Judiciary are working together to modernise courts and tribunals and get people through the justice system quicker. 

We are aiming for a 21st century justice system where people can access justice in the way they expect. We also want to deliver services that provide value for money for the people of New Zealand.

Our modernisation goals

• reduce the time it takes to hear and resolve matters in a court or tribunal
• improve the experience of our customers – the people of New Zealand
• simplify and standardise our processes to improve productivity and efficiency
• reduce dependency on physical locations.

Our progress

Modernisation covers legislation, technology, process improvement and property and infrastructure.

Technology

• audio-visual links between courts and prisons
• online filing of Police charges and Corrections pre-sentencing reports
• centralised calling services.

Process improvements

• improved rostering and scheduling of court cases, including text messaging
• new operating model for collecting fines, including working from home.

Property & infrastructure

• Christchurch Justice & Emergency Services Precinct
• upgrade of the Manukau Court in Auckland.

Legislation

• Criminal Procedure Act(external link)
• Courts and Criminal Matters Bill(external link)

This page was last updated: 16th July 2021