The Te Ao Mārama – Enhancing Justice for All initiative is being developed for the benefit of all people who are affected by the business of the court, including defendants, witnesses, victims, parties to proceedings and whānau (wider families). It is intended to be inclusive of all cultures and ethnicities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
It will be designed and implemented by working together with local iwi, communities (of all cultures and ethnicities), justice sector agencies and the legal profession.
The Te Ao Mārama initiative seeks to emphasise restoration, rehabilitation and healing. It also seeks to implement judicial best practices from the existing Specialist Courts. These best practices include:
The District Court will continue to apply the law and all relevant legal principles. It will also aim to ensure fairness for all people who are affected by the business of the court.
The Gisborne District Court is well supported by its local community. District Court Judges, Toitū Tairāwhiti Iwi, the legal profession, government agencies, and community service providers have been working together to grow Te Ao Mārama for the Tairāwhiti community.
On 5 May 2022, a ceremony was held at the Gisborne District Court to launch the new Young Adult List as an important part of the wider Te Ao Mārama model.
Young Adult List launched in the Gisborne District Court
The Young Adult List recognises that young adulthood (18 to 25) is a time of increased vulnerability, and that those appearing in court are more likely than the general population to experience neurodiversity issues as well as mental health and substance abuse issues. The court uses plain language and a different courtroom layout to ensure that all participants can engage in the process and understand what is happening.
The Young Adult List first began in 2020 at the Porirua District Court as part of a pilot led by Principal Youth Court Judge, John Walker. You can read more about the pilot court here.
Gisborne District Court
In Hamilton, we have been engaging with justice sector agencies, local iwi, and the wider community so that we can all work together to support better outcomes for defendants, victims and whānau.
On 20 June 2022, the Young Adult List began in the Hamilton District Court introducing plain language, a different court room layout and a dedicated court list for young adults.
Hamilton District Court
On 13 July 2022, the development of Te Ao Mārama was launched in Kaitāia at a hui (meeting) hosted by Te Hiku Iwi at Waimanoni Marae.
The manuhiri (guests) are welcomed onto Waimanoni Marae. Photo / Peter de Graaf
The implementation of Whakaorangia te Mana Tangata, a whānau-centred initiative that is designed and provided by local service provider Waitomo Papakāinga, was also celebrated at the Kaitāia District Court.
The Whakaorangia te Mana Tangata initiative aims to support Māori offenders, victims and whānau through the court process and is an important part of the wider Te Ao Mārama model.
The next step is to develop Te Ao Mārama alongside local iwi, agencies and services to make the Kaitāia District Court better reflect and address the needs of the local community.
This website explains many of the things you might want to know if you are coming to the Youth Court, or just wondering how the Youth Court works.
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Ministry of Justice website with information on family issues including about going to court, forms and other times when you may need help.
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For information about courts and tribunals, including going to court, finding a court & collection of fines and reparation.
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On this site you will find information about our Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court including recent decisions, daily lists and news.
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