Oz extradition battle

Justice Minister Judith Collins.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has approved the extradition of a former Catholic brother to Australia to face child-sex charges.

However, Bernard Kevin McGrath, 66, has already filed judicial review proceedings challenging the minister's decision.

"Given that the matter is now before the High Court, it would be inappropriate for the minister to comment further," a spokesman for Ms Collins' office said.

Australia has spent almost two years trying to extradite McGrath to face 252 child-sex abuse charges.

Early last year, Christchurch District Court Judge Jane Farish ruled McGrath should stand trial across the Tasman.

But her decision was appealed to the High Court, which then referred the case back to Judge Farish, ruling she needed to again look at whether the case should be referred to the Minister of Justice for a final decision on extradition.

In January, Judge Farish referred the decision to Ms Collins, saying she was satisfied there were "compelling and extraordinary circumstances" for the decision to be made by the minister.

Now, "after careful consideration" Ms Collins has issued an order for McGrath's surrender to Australia.

He will now challenge that decision in the High Court.