Justice Minister Andrew Little says he has asked the Ministry of Justice to consider whether New Zealand's current laws on hate speech are sufficient.

In response to a series of written parliamentary questions from National MP Tim Macindoe, Mr Little has said this involves a complex balance between freedom of speech and protection  of vulnerable people.

"The ministry will work with the Human Rights Commission to produce a proposal. Any changes to the law will be carefully considered - we need to ensure that we take the time to get it right," he says.

Asked what advice he has received with regard to current or planned hate speech laws in the wake of the 15 March 2019 Christchurch terrorist attacks, Mr Little has said he expects to receive advice before the end of the year.

He says the project is being resourced primarily by employees in the ministry's policy group and the Human Rights Commission, with support from other parts of the ministry and engagement from other agencies as required.