The two remaining places on the 10-member advisory group focusing on the criminal justice reform programmes have been filled.
The two new members are Quentin Hix, a Timaru-based lawyer, and Shila Nair, a counsellor with Auckland based not-for profit group Shakti where she’s worked for more than 16 years in family violence.
Mr Hix, who was admitted in 1989, is the director of his own law firm and specialises in governance, general and criminal.
“I’m happy to announce I’ve added more diversity to the specialist advisory group, the Safe and Effective Justice Programme Advisory Group – Te Uepū Hāpai i te Ora, to work alongside justice sector agencies on a prudent and realistic scope for effective criminal justice reform,” says Justice Minister Andrew Little.
“It’s critical that we get this right and having a good mix of experienced experts who also bring valuable cultural context show’s that this Government is smart on crime.
“Shila Nair and Quentin Hix add value by bringing Indian and Māori expertise and experiences as the newest members of Uepū Hāpai i te Ora - The Safe and Effective Justice Advisory Group.”
Borrows heads group
The group will be chaired by retired National MP and Cabinet Minister Chester Borrows.
The other members are Ruth Money (independent volunteer victim advocate), Julia Whaipooti (senior advisor at the Children's Commission and a JustSpeak spokesperson), Dr Warren Young (General Manager, Independent Police Conduct Authority), Professor Tony Ward (School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington), Professor Tracey McIntosh (Director of the Centre of Research Excellence and Associate Professor in sociology at the University of Auckland), Dr Carwyn Jones (senior law lecturer, Victoria University of Wellington) and Dr Jarrod Gilbert (senior lecturer in sociology, University of Canterbury).
“New Zealand needs less offending, less re-offending, and a national conversation about fixing the broken justice system,” says Mr Little.
“Safe and effective justice is fundamentally about keeping New Zealanders safer, through earlier interventions, better responses and greater support to reduce reoffending.
“The advisory group will play an important role in continuing the conversation beyond the summit and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement with people right across the country,” he says.
The Criminal Justice Summit was opened by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister of Justice Andrew Little on Monday.
The advisory group is required to report back to the minister in early 2019.