The Justice Minister has ruled a former Catholic brother is to be extradited back to Australia to face child sex charges.
The office of Justice Minister Judith Collins has confirmed that she has issued an order for Bernard McGrath's surrender to Australia.
But Mr McGrath has already filed judicial review proceedings challenging the Minister's decision.
In November 2012 the Australian Federal police requested the extradition of Bernard Kevin McGrath to face 252 charges related to sex offences.
The District Court in Christchurch decided Mr McGrath was eligible for surrender in June 2013, but Mr McGrath successfully appealed that decision in the High Court and the case was referred back to the District Court before being sent to the Minister by Judge Jane Farish.
Figures released under the Official Information Act show the extradition request has cost the New Zealand Government $32,028.65.
Since the High Court appeal, $14,955.98 has been spent in Crown Solicitor's fees.
Changes to justice system needed, says sex abuse victim advocate
An advocate for sex abuse victims says changes need to be made to the justice system following the legal challenge.
Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust spokesperson Ken Clearwater said it was unfair for the alleged victims to have to wait this long for their day in court.
"McGrath has been told by the courts here that he has to go back, the lawyers have challenged that, Judith Collins has said he's got to go back, you know it's time we really look at our court systems and say how has this been been able to carry on for so long."
