The future of courts and justice services
The Ministry of Justice is seeking public feedback on the future of courts and justice services as it looks to prepare its second Long-Term Insights Briefing.
The Long-Term Insights Briefings, introduced under the Public Service Act 2020, are a government initiative designed to encourage all New Zealanders to consider the future and what will matter most for our long-term wellbeing.
Marcus Akuhata-Brown, Deputy Secretary, Ātea a Rangi – Strategy, says the Ministry, alongside Crown Law, will develop their Briefings, informed by public consultation, data, and research.
“The two agencies are thinking about how courts and justice services could work better in the future. Our companion briefings will look at the key trends in the accessibility of courts and justice services and consider future scenarios if they continue. We want to make these services easier to access, faster, and more helpful for everyone.”
Marcus says the law requires government department chief executives to publish a briefing at least once every three years.
“These briefings offer insights into trends, risks and opportunities that affect, or may affect, New Zealand. They’re not government policy but rather an opportunity to identify and explore the issues that matter for the future wellbeing of New Zealanders.”
Marcus says each agency’s Briefing will have a different focus.
“The Ministry’s over-arching Briefing will look at the big changes that will shape the future of courts and justice services, like new technology, changes in society, and what people expect from the justice system.
“Crown Law’s companion Briefing will be informed by experience as a participant in court processes but will focus on matters relating to the overall democratic and constitutional settings of our justice system.”
The final Briefing will be presented to Parliament in September 2025 and made publicly available as a resource and evidence base.
How you can get involved
There will be two phases where you can share your thoughts:
- In the first phase, we are asking for your feedback on the suggested topic for our Briefings. This consultation is opened from 12 December to 31 January 2025 and can be lodged through our consultation hub. (external link)
- In the second phase, happening in late June, you’ll have a chance to share your thoughts on the draft Briefings.
The final Briefings will be presented to Parliament in September 2025 and will be available to the public.
If you have any questions throughout the development of the Briefing, you can contact the LTIB project team.