Ministry overview | |
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Formed | 1872 |
Jurisdiction | Government of New Zealand |
Headquarters | Justice Centre, 19 Aitken St, Wellington, New Zealand |
Employees | 3,800 |
Annual budget |
Vote Justice Total budget for 2017/18 $519,970,000 |
Ministers responsible |
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Ministry executive |
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Website | www |
The New Zealand Ministry of Justice (Māori: Tāhū o te Ture) is an executive branch of the New Zealand Government, responsible for the enforcement of the law and administration of justice within New Zealand. It exists to create a fairer and safer New Zealand and provides many services on behalf of government to help achieve this." It provides advice and support to a number of Ministers of the Crown including the Minister of Justice; the Minister for Courts; the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations; the Minister Responsible for the Law Commission and the Attorney-General.
The Ministry of Justice has a ten-member Strategic Leadership Team led by Andrew Bridgman, Secretary for Justice and Chief Executive. The Ministry employs approximately 3,800 staff around New Zealand and delivers a variety of services including the administration of court services and the collection of fines. The Ministry also provides policy advice to the Minister of Justice, assists with the negotiation of Treaty of Waitangi claims and the running of parliamentary elections.
The Department serves 4 portfolios and 3 ministers.
The Ministry has a number of policy teams which provide advice to the Government of the day on legal issues and any new legislation which is being proposed. The teams conduct research and evaluate policy relating to civil, criminal, and constitutional law, foreshore and seabed issues and Treaty of Waitangi negotiations. The Ministry also manages input from the public when legislation on justice issues is being considered.
The New Zealand Law Commission also provides advice on legal and justice issues and is part of the justice sector. However, the Law Commission is an independent body whereas the Ministry of Justice is not. The MOJ provides advice to the Minister but ultimately is required to implement and administer whatever policies the government of the day passes into legislation.
The Ministry ensures that judges are provided with administrative and technological support, as well as administering funding for judicial training and development. The Ministry has a difficult role in that it supports both the executive and the judicial arms of government. However, it co-operates with the judiciary to ensure that its constitutional independence from Government is maintained.
The Ministry's official website states: "The Ministry provides administration, case management and support services to the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, District Court, special jurisdictions, and a range of tribunals and authorities in 103 locations around New Zealand". It also provides