Approved alcohol and other drug report writers' service
On this page:
Background
The Ministry of Justice has set up the approved alcohol and other drug (AOD) report writers' 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. The service launched on 28 August 2026.
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.
Find an approved AOD report writer
Search for an approved AOD report writer using this finder tool: Approved AOD report writer finder
Information for lawyers
Legal aid and Public Defence Service (PDS) can use the approved AOD report writers' panel. Guidance to support legal aid lawyers engaging and working with panel report writers is available here: Guidance for legal aid lawyers - AOD service [PDF, 182 KB]
More information is available here:
- Information for approved AOD report writers on the panel.
- Questions submitted to the Ministry and the Ministry's responses. This ensures everyone receives the same information.
- Information on how to apply to join the AOD report writer panel.
- Information on how to make a complaint about the AOD Report Writers Service.