Centre for Justice Innovation New Zealand
The Centre for Justice innovation at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University was established with the support of the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation.
Purpose
The Centre for Justice innovation at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University offers an independent, impartial, and trusted voice on justice issues through multidisciplinary research, evaluation, and education.
In this, we aim to address the calls for change in the way that justice is delivered in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Centre will provide an evidence base for informed debate and deliver innovations in both specific justice reforms and broader innovations in thinking and practice. Our focus is to improve outcomes and experiences for both defendants and complainants in the criminal justice system.
Research and evaluation
The Centre aims to produce trusted research and evaluation on issues that cut across different areas of the justice system. The core of the Centre’s initial research and education work will be innovation in relation to remote participation in the courts.
Education
The Centre aims to provide guidance to legal professionals, judges, public sector workers, and the general public. This is especially crucial in light of the implementation of Te Ao Mārama.
Independence and sustainability
The Centre's priority is to maintain autonomy and credibility as a reliable source of information on justice issues. Our aim is to deliver quality work in a way that is economically sustainable.
News
To celebrate the launch of the Centre for Justice Innovation, three public events were held at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, outlining the centre's three key areas of innovation:
- Te Ao Mārama,
- Sexual violence reform,
- The wellbeing impacts of working in the criminal courts.
Read a media advisory about the Te Herenga Waka Centre for Justice Innovation.
Launch of the Te Herenga Waka Centre for Justice Innovation—Te Ao Mārama
A public lecture was held on 2 May 2023 to mark the launch of the new Centre for Justice Innovation New Zealand. The Chief Justice, the Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann, spoke at the launch, and the Chief District Court Judge, Judge Heemi Taumaunu, delivered an address titled 'Te Ao Mārama—the vision for the District Court'. You can view the event recording here.
Read a news story about the launch— a public lecture by keynote speaker, Chief Judge Heemi Taumaunu: 'Te Ao Mārama—the vision for the District Court'.
Panel discussion—Sexual violence reform
A standing-room-only panel discussion 'Innovative justice responses to sexual offending'—made up of experts from a range of disciplines— was hosted in August to explore alternatives to using jury trials in dealing with sexual violence offences.
Read a news story about the panel discussion or view the event recording here.
Public lecture—Wellbeing impacts of working in the criminal courts
'Scar tissue that I wish you saw—understanding and addressing the wellbeing impacts of working in criminal law' was the latest in a series of hard-hitting events hosted by Te Herenga Waka Centre for Justice Innovation.
Read a news story about this lecture or view the event recording here.
New law reform project to focus on bail and custodial remand practices in Aotearoa
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is delighted to announce that the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation has awarded Te Herenga Waka Centre for Justice Innovation a $714,504 grant towards the 'Custodial Remand before Trial or Sentence' project.
Read the news story here.
Funding for the Centre
The Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation has provided a grant to set up and launch the Centre of Justice Innovation New Zealand.