New Zealand’s Ministry of Justice has launched the Accessible and Affordable Justice programme following the 2025 review of the legal aid system. The Ministry has published a summary of consultation feedback and Cabinet material from the review, which considered how the legal aid scheme is operating and where improvements may be needed.
The programme will take forward work on improving access to publicly funded legal advice and representation for people who require legal help but could not otherwise afford it. The Ministry has said the legal aid scheme is under pressure, with challenges including increased costs, increased workloads for legal aid providers, court delays, more complex cases and difficulties attracting and retaining legal aid lawyers. #