0800 COURTS closes at 3:00pm 24 December 2025, for urgent matters (relating to family matter or bail conditions), please call 0800 253 425. 0800 4 FINES closes at 7:00pm, 24 December 2025. Our Contact Centres will reopen at 8:00am on Monday 5 January 2026. National Office (Aitken Street, Wellington) reception will be closed from 3:00pm on Friday 19 December, reopening at 8:00am on Monday 5 January 2026. For more information, see Court and Tribunal hours
Together, we can make Aotearoa New Zealand the best place in the world for children and young people. Law and policy form part of the ecosystem that supports families and whānau to nurture their tamariki and youth.
Our contribution to the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy is focused on two key areas of work:
In addition to this work, the Ministry plays an active role in the Joint Venture on Family Violence and Sexual Violence. We are also implementing new family violence law and supporting the passage of the Sexual Violence Legislation Bill.This mahi is critical to enabling strong, healthy families and communities that support children's development.
We also contribute to child and youth wellbeing is through our support of the Family Court, Ngā Kōti Rangatahi and Pasifika Courts. Rangatahi Courts operate in the same way as the Youth Court, but are held on marae and follow Māori cultural processes. Pasifika Courts also operate in the same way as the Youth Court, but are held in Pasifika churches or community centres and follow Pasifika cultural processes. These courts aim to reduce youth reoffending and enable Māori and Pasifika communities to be more involved in each step of the youth justice process.
Our work on the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy reinforces the importance of whole-of-government approaches to wellbeing.
Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy(external link)
Joint Venture on Family Violence and Sexual Violence
Sexual Violence Legislation Bill(external link)
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