Justice minister says He Waka Roimata report shows appetite for reform

Justice Minister Andrew Little said that the recently released He Waka Roimata report showed that most New Zealanders want a better criminal justice system.

The He Waka Roimata report from the Te Uepū Hāpai i te Ora (Safe and Effective Justice Advisory Group) captured feedback from New Zealanders on the current state of the justice system and offered insights on how it can be improved.

“I welcome the first report from Te Uepū, which clearly demonstrates a public appetite for long-term sustainable and enduring transformation in the justice system,” said Little. “This report follows comprehensive engagement with the community and shows New Zealanders want to see less offending, less re-offending, and fewer victims of crime, who are better supported.

“The report provides sober reading,” he said. “There are many stories and examples shared by victims, families, offenders and organisations that are upsetting, especially those that demonstrate failings in the system that could be avoided through simple, early and appropriate interventions.”

According to Little, the ministry is now working on options to reform the criminal justice system.

“The overwhelming sense is that we can make change for the better and deliver safer and more effective justice for all New Zealanders,” he said. “Te Uepū is now developing reform options for the government that it believes will contribute to a safer and more effective justice system.”