Review of public prosecutions announced

New Zealand's public prosecution services are to be reviewed with an eye to cost savings. File photo / Herald on Sunday

New Zealand's public prosecution services are to be reviewed with an eye to cost savings.

Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson said the comprehensive review would examine organisational structures, governance, and accountability of agencies within the prosecution system, as well as their roles, functions, and processes.

"Cost pressures have been building in recent years in the wider justice sector because of increasing case volumes, and we need to ensure funding for prosecution services is sustainable. The review will consider whether there are improvements to be made in the funding and purchasing systems for Crown Solicitors," Mr Finlayson said.

"The review is also necessary to respond to the Government's requirements for ongoing fiscal constraint at a time when we are being forced to borrow an average of $300 million a week."

Justice Minister Simon Power said recent reviews of the justice system focused on criminal procedure, victims, and legal aid.

"It's important that prosecutions are subject to the same level of scrutiny as other parts of the justice system to ensure its overall effectiveness and efficiency.

"The aim of the review is to achieve a public prosecution service that both manages costs and upholds high standards."

Most offences were prosecuted by police or crown solicitors, through funding from Crown Law. A number of other public sector agencies also brought their own prosecutions.

The Government spent about $75 million a year on prosecutions.

The review will be done by John Spencer, chairman of KiwiRail, Tainui Holdings and WEL Networks, a director of Tower New Zealand, and Dairy New Zealand, and a deputy chairman of the Legal Services Agency.

He will report in September.

- NZPA