Approved Alcohol and Other Drug Report Writers Service
Background
The Ministry of Justice is setting up a new Approved Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Report Writer Service (the service). The service will provide a panel of qualified AOD report writers who are approved to provide AOD reports for cases in New Zealand courts in the criminal jurisdiction. The service will ensure that all participants receive the same quality AOD reports and that judges receive consistent information to inform sentencing decisions.
Qualified AOD report writers can apply to join the service through a request for application (RFA) process. The first RFA round will open on 5 March 2026 and close on 7 April 2026. We will respond to applications submitted in the first RFA round within one month of the closing date.
After the first round, the panel will remain open for new, appropriately qualified AOD report writers to apply at any time. We will process applications received after 7 April 2026 as soon as practicable.
What AOD report writers do
AOD reports are ordered by judges or requested by lawyers to assist with sentencing decisions.
When writing the report, AOD report writers interview an offender to explore their history of alcohol and other drugs usage and their willingness to engage with rehabilitation services. They may also talk to other people who know the offender. For more information on the service, please contact us: AODreports@justice.govt.nz
More information is available here: