News | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

See the latest updates on news and events around the Ministry. If you can't find what you're looking for here, try our media release section or news archive.

New Chief Coroner appointed

Coroner Anna Tutton has been appointed as the new Chief Coroner, Attorney-General David Parker announced today.
UPDATE: State of Emergency lifted in Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland

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UPDATE: The local state of emergency has been lifted in Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland and all affected courts will open as normal.
Compensation guidelines for wrongful conviction extended

Cabinet has agreed that people who are wrongly convicted and serve a sentence of home detention should be eligible to apply for compensation.
We are making some changes to our application forms

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We are updating our process for accepting payments. Our application forms will no longer include a section for writing credit card details.
Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Act 2024
Court and Tribunal hours – December 2025 and January 2026

Courts and tribunals will be closed during the holiday period. Reopening dates vary, starting from 5 January 2025, with all locations open by 19 January 2026.
Public engagement on economic, social and cultural rights

The Government is seeking public feedback its draft report under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The future of courts and justice services

The Ministry of Justice is seeking public feedback on the future of courts & justice services as it looks to prepare its 2nd Long-Term Insights Briefing.
Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials

The Ministry of Justice has welcomed the release of the latest evaluation of New Zealand’s work in addressing bribery.
Arms Act rewrite public consultation commences

The Ministry of Justice is urging everyone to have their say on the Government’s rewrite of the Arms Act 1983.
Government to implement UN Committee recommendations

Government to implement recommendations from the UN Committee on Torture
Courts to get new tool to address litigation abuse

The courts will soon have a new tool to combat instances where people use Family Court proceedings to abuse others
Legal aid scheme review

The Ministry of Justice is to lead a review of the legal aid system in 2025.
Mailing the Ministry, Courts, and Tribunals – important update

Everyone mailing the Ministry needs to ensure they have the correct address information, due to recent changes to the way New Zealand Post delivers mail.
Sentencing Act changes now in force

Tougher sentencing laws designed to strengthen the consequences of offending have come into force.
Ministry welcomes Victoria Davy, Deputy Secretary Strategy (Pou Whakatere)

The Ministry of Justice welcomed its new Deputy Secretary Strategy (Pou Whakatere) Victoria Davy at a small mihi whakatau on Monday 8 September.
Text reminders about fines – watch for scams
Victims satisfied with restorative justice
Fee increases

From today (1 July 2025), the Ministry of Justice is increasing fees in courts and most Ministry administered tribunals.
Budget 2025

Budget 2025 contains significant investment in our core institutions – courts, the justice system, and the electoral system.

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