Ministry launches new alcohol and other drug report writing service

The Ministry of Justice has set up a new alcohol and other drug (AOD) report writer service (the service) to improve the consistency, quality and efficiency of AOD reports in criminal courts. The service will launch on 28 August 2026.

AOD reports provide specialist assessments that help inform sentencing decisions and identify treatment and rehabilitation options. The service will provide access to a nationwide panel of approved AOD report writers.

The approved AOD report writers’ panel will be used for all court-ordered reports, and is also available for legal aid and Public Defence Service lawyers.  

Approved report writers will use a standard report template to help ensure the courts receive the information they need to support sentencing decisions.

The panel includes more than 100 approved report writers located throughout New Zealand, who are available to undertake both in-person and remote assessments. The panel remains open to suitably qualified AOD professionals who wish to apply.

To learn more, visit How to apply to join the AOD report writer panel.

For more information about the service, visit Approved Alcohol and Other Drug Report Writers Service 

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