Legal Aid
Vulnerable can't access justice': Law firm calls for pro
A major law firm is pushing for a centralised pro bono system, saying too many people cannot afford access to justice. A number of lawyers and legal firms around the country provide legal advice at no… Audio
The limits on lawyers’ pro bono work
A bill intended to make it easier for employed lawyers to do pro bono work was voted down by Parliament, but are changes actually needed? Audio
Overloaded and burnt out - why legal aid lawyers are leaving
Our legal aid system - the one that is on a promise to fund justice for all, no matter their means - is in crisis. Audio
Strict legal aid rules for civil courts causing concerns
Ministry of Justice figures show that there's a concerning trend of people braving the civil court without a lawyer. Audio
Legal aid sysem not working - Bar Association
New Zealand Bar Association says the legal aid system is not achieving what it should as a large portion of the population do not qualify for legal aid, but cannot afford to pay for legal services. Video, Audio
Massive gaps uncovered in legal aid system
A new University of Otago report has found significant barriers to accessing legal aid are often too great to overcome. The number of lawyers registered to provide civil legal aid is on the decline… Audio
Concern at family law legal aid shortage
The Ministry of Justice is failing to properly examine why there is a shortage of legal aid lawyers in provincial areas, a family law specialist says.
Focus on Politics for 30 September 2016
The Law Society says the Government has its head in the sand over the state of the legal aid system. The society says over the past five years, there's been a 25 percent drop in the number of lawyers… Audio
Call for more legal aid support for French overseas territories
There has been a call in France to extend assistance to lawyers in overseas territories to ensure people have access to legal aid.
Legal aid closures put Māori 'at a disadvantage'
The decision to close six of the country's eight legal aid centres will deny Māori justice in the legal system, warn community law advocates.
Lawyers warn closures fly in face of Maori tikanga
Community Law Centres Aotearoa warns the decision to close six of the country's eight legal aid centres will deny Maori justice in the legal system and flies in the face of their tikanga. Audio
Loss of relationships, knowledge through legal aid closures
Plans to close six of the eight legal aid offices around the country are being criticised by the Criminal Bar Association.
Six of eight legal aid offices to shut
The Ministry of Justice's decision to close three quarters of its legal aid offices around the country is a disaster, a Christchurch barrister says. Audio
Laywers are pulling out of legal aid work - Sir Ron Young
A former judge is warning that large numbers of lawyers pulling out of legal aid work, could leave New Zealanders without their right to a fair trial. Audio
Three quarters of legal aid offices will soon close
Legal aid offices in in Waitakere, Napier, Christchurch, Manukau, New Plymouth and Rotorua will soon close, leaving only two in New Zealand. Liz Bulger of the Law Society joins Checkpoint. Audio
Fair trials undermined by legal aid system - ex-judge
A former judge has delivered a stinging critique of the criminal justice system, saying lawyers are not taking legal aid cases because it is not worth their time.
Judge claims cost cutting threatens to undermine justice system
One of New Zealand's longest-serving judges, has delivered a stinging critique of the criminal justice system. Sir Ron Young, has spoken out about reduced legal aid for defence lawyers, reduced money… Audio
Govt's $96m legal aid boost questioned
Legal aid lawyers do not believe the government's biggest top-up to the courts in more than a decade will help the people who need it most. Audio
Govt's legal aid budget boost questioned
Legal aid lawyers do not believe the Government's biggest top-up to the Courts in more than a decade will help the people who need it most. Audio
Legal aid rules not failing domestic violence victims says minister
The Justice Minister is defending the legal aid system against accusations that it discriminates against victims of domestic violence. Audio