Foreword

Kia ora koutou

Welcome to this guide for reporting on the work of New Zealand’s courts and tribunals.

The Ministry of Justice is working with the judiciary and our justice sector colleagues to help make sure New Zealand is a safe and just society.

We do this by delivering people-centred justice services to provide access to justice for all New Zealanders, including:

  • Working with the judiciary to deliver services across the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, 58 District Courts, Coroners Court, Environment Court, Employment Court and Maori Land Court;
  • Supporting 29 tribunals, authorities and committees that help New Zealanders resolve disputes;
  • Providing legal assistance through the Public Defence Service and administering the Legal Aid system. 

It is essential that the public has trust in the justice system and to achieve that, court proceedings must be open and transparent.

The media as the public’s ‘eyes and ears’, play a critical role in enabling the community to know what is happening in their local court. 

This guide is designed to ensure the media is aware of the rules around reporting what happens in the courts and the responsibilities of journalists working in courts. While it is not exhaustive, we want to ensure that reports are fair, that justice processes can work effectively, and that courts’ integrity is maintained.

I thank you for taking the time to read this guide and appreciate your ongoing professionalism as you report on matters of justice.

Andrew Kibblewhite
Chief Executive and Secretary for Justice

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