Judges and kaumātua have been honoured with conferral of the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration 2015 Award for Excellence in Judicial Administration.

The award was presented by Institute Director Greg Reinhardt at Auckland's Orakei Marae on 30 May 2016.

He presented the award to all eight judges who established and lead the 14 marae-based Rangatahi and two Pasifika Courts. Kaumātua representing each marae were also honoured for their support and contribution to the courts.

The award recognises the contribution of the judges and court staff who developed the courts and the Māori communities who embraced them to help their young people access justice.

The award was announced late in 2015, but the acceptance ceremony was the first opportunity for many of those involved to come together.

Justice and Courts Minister Amy Adams says she congratulates the judges and Ministry of Justice, in particular the Chief District Court Judge and Principal Youth Court Judge, and Youth Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu who established the first Rangatahi Court in Gisborne in 2008.

"This award recognises the significant collaboration between courts and communities to help young New Zealanders turn their lives around," she says.

"I also want to acknowledge the commitment of kaumātua and community leaders, and other supporters who are working together to make a difference in the lives of young people, their communities, and future generations."

There are now 14 Rangatahi Courts in New Zealand and two Pasifika Courts. Between January 2009 and April 2016, 1434 young people attended family group conference plans monitored in Rangatahi Courts, and 361 in Pasifika Courts.