The Ministry of Justice has advised that recruitment of Commissioners for the Criminal Cases Review Commission is underway.

The CCRC will be operational from 1 July 2020 and will be an Independent Crown Entity. The Act requires the CCRC’s board consist of no fewer than one and not more than five Commissioners in addition to the Chief and Deputy Chief Commissioner.

The role of the CCRC’s is to independently review suspected miscarriages of justice and refer appropriate cases back to the appeal courts, replacing the referral function currently exercised by the Governor-General as part of the Royal prerogative of mercy. Additionally, the CCRC has a duty to make its work known and understood by the public.

At least one-third of Commissioners must be legally qualified, and at least two-thirds of Commissioners must have experience working in the criminal justice system or have other knowledge or expertise relevant to the CCRC’s functions and duties. To acknowledge the constitutional significance and practical importance of having Commissioners with knowledge and understanding of tikanga Māori and te Ao Māori, the CCRC must also have at least one Commissioner with this expertise.

The ministry says as well as the skills outlined above, preferred candidates will have broad experience in governance, high level strategic decision making, experience with statutory review or adversarial processes and an understanding of Crown entity requirements.

The remuneration for the members of the CCRC is set by the Remuneration Authority.

Further details, along with how to apply, are available on the ministry's website here.

Applications close at 4:30pm on Monday, 6 March 2020.