Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson has come to the defence of the Manukau District Court.

A Government revew of legal aid contained claims that up to 80% of lawyers at the Manukau District Court are manipulating the system.

Judge Johnson says Ministry of Justice figures show a significant lift in productivity over the last three years.

Far from being dysfunctional, he says the Manukau court is performing with distinction in the New Zealand court system.

Judge Johnson says he has come to the defence of the court because lawyers were feeling accused and he wanted to boost morale.

He says there are undoubtedly some lawyers who suffer from competence issues but figures show a significant lift in productivity over the last three years.

He says people should not be alarmed about the Manukau court because its work is being done in a timely way, and for that to happen the lawyers have to be co-operating.

However, he acknowledged there were identifiable problems with the legal aid system and says district court judges will work with the Law Society to help improve the system.