Starting the work of reforming NZ's criminal justice system

Evidence has long shown that charging, convicting and sentencing people for minor drug offences doesn’t work. The launch of Hāpaitia te Oranga Tangata | Safe and Effective Justice by Minister Andrew Little is a welcome opportunity, which we hope will begin to transform our “broken” criminal justice system.

The Drug Foundation welcomes the announcement of Te Uepū, a high-powered advisory group of experts and advocates, who have promised to listen to all voices. The first step will be a Criminal Justice Summit, to be held in Wellington and Porirua on 20^th – 22^nd August 2018.

Details are scant at this stage, but we do know that Te Uepū have a very broad remit. The official purpose is succinctly described as:

• to engage in a public conversation about what people in New Zealand want from their criminal justice system
• to canvas a range of ideas about how the criminal justice system can be improved.

Members of the Advisory Group, chaired by Kerry James “Chester” Borrows, a former Minister of Courts and associate Justice Minister, bring extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system and should be able to identify opportunities for transformative change. Te Uepū members are:

• Hon Chester Borrows QSO
• Dr Jarrod Gilbert
• Dr Carwyn Jones
• Professor Tracey McIntosh
• Ruth Money
• Julia Amua Whaipooti
• Professor Tony Ward
• Dr Warren Young QSO

With the first act of this process the Summit next month, the Drug Foundation is gearing up to support the engagement process and contribute workable policy ideas.

Check out their website or read Newsroom's take here