Estimates of appropriations

Vote Courts - Justice Sector - Estimates 2020/21

Formats and related files

Vote Courts#

APPROPRIATION MINISTER(S): Minister for Courts (M19)

APPROPRIATION ADMINISTRATOR: Ministry of Justice

RESPONSIBLE MINISTER FOR MINISTRY OF JUSTICE: Minister of Justice

Overview of the Vote#

The Minister for Courts is responsible for appropriations in Vote Courts totalling nearly $854 million for the 2020/21 financial year covering the following:

  • a total of nearly $486 million on services from the Ministry of Justice that support the work of courts, tribunals and other authorities
  • a total of nearly $159 million on salaries and allowances for Judges', Coroners' and Community Magistrates' as set under legislation
  • over $121 million on professional and administrative services provided to or directed by courts and coroners, including costs that are required by legislation
  • nearly $60 million on the collection and enforcement of fines and civil debts services by the Ministry of Justice
  • nearly $20 million on tribunal related fees and expenses
  • over $5 million for certifying consultants for abortion supervisory committees
  • a total of over $3 million to allow for the impairment of debt relating to court imposed fines, costs and fees in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, and
  • $490,000 for support for associated activities, including Justice of the Peace Association.

Over $121 million of court imposed fines, offender levies, contributions towards lawyer for child costs, and penalties is expected to be received for the 2020/21 financial year.

Details of these appropriations are set out in Parts 2-4.

Details of Appropriations and Capital Injections#

Annual Appropriations and Forecast Permanent Appropriations#

Titles and Scopes of Appropriations by Appropriation Type 2019/20 2020/21
Final
Budgeted
$000
Estimated
Actual
$000
Budget
$000

Non-Departmental Other Expenses

     

Abortion Supervisory Committee - Certifying Consultants Fees (M19)

Payments to certifying consultants for providing opinions under Section 33 of the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act 1977.
5,063 5,063 5,063

Assistance to Victims of Crime (M19)

Funding for the Criminal Justice Assistance Reimbursement Scheme.
40 40 40

Community Magistrates Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)

This appropriation is limited to the remuneration and allowances of Community Magistrates as authorised by section 60 of the District Court Act 2016.
1,449 1,449 1,449

Coroners Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)

This appropriation is limited to the costs related to the terms and conditions of remuneration for Coroners pursuant to Section 110 of the Coroners Act 2006.
8,199 8,199 8,525

Court and Coroner Related Costs (M19)

This appropriation is limited to meeting the costs of professional services directed by or provided to courts (including coroners), including costs required to be met by the Crown under legislation, remuneration of Lay Members and Visiting Justices, and payments ordered from the Maori Land Court Special Aid Fund.
117,348 117,348 121,006

District Court Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)

This appropriation is limited to the remuneration and allowances of Judges in the District Court, including the Environment Court, as authorised by section 34 of the District Court Act 2016.
76,820 76,820 91,690

Employment Court Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)

This appropriation is limited to costs related to the terms and conditions of remuneration for Judges and acting warranted Judges in the Employment Court incurred pursuant to s.206 Employment Relations Act 2000.
4,191 4,191 4,191

Impairment of Debt Established to Recognise Contributions towards Family Court Professional Services (M19)

This appropriation is limited to the impairment of debt owing as a contribution towards Family Court Professional Services costs in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
1,292 1,292 1,292

Impairment of Fines Receivable (M19)

This appropriation is limited to allowing for the impairment of fines, court costs and enforcement fees in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
2,000 2,000 2,000

Justices of the Peace Association (M19)

This appropriation is limited to the cost of administrative services from the Royal Federation of Justices including training and rostering Justices of the Peace for court hearings, and training for Visiting Justices.
450 450 450

Maori Land Court Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)

This appropriation is limited to costs related to the terms and conditions of remuneration for Judges and acting warranted Judges in the Maori Land Court incurred pursuant to s.13 Te Ture Whenua Maori Land Act 1993.
6,007 6,007 6,007

Senior Courts Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)

This appropriation is limited to the remuneration and allowances of Judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court as authorised by section 135 of the Senior Courts Act 2016.
46,491 46,491 46,821

Tribunal Related Fees and Expenses (M19)

This appropriation is limited to funding remuneration, allowances, or fees for the Chairs, Members, Adjudicators and Assessors of Specialist Tribunals, and expenses incurred by those Chairs, Members, Adjudicators and Assessors in relation to Tribunal work.
19,597 19,597 19,645

District Court Part-time or Acting Judges' Salaries and Allowances (M19)

This appropriation is limited to the remuneration and allowances of part-time and acting Judges in the District Court, including the Environment Court.
17,937 17,937 -

Judicial Review Costs (M19)

Cost of legal services (including settlement of claims) in cases involving the exercise of judicial functions or the execution of judicial process or costs of counsel to assist the court, including payments ordered to be made from the Maori Land Court Special Aid Fund.
2,246 2,246 -

Senior Courts Acting Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)

This appropriation is limited to the remuneration and allowances of acting warranted Judges and Associate Judges in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court as authorised by section 137 of the Senior Courts Act 2016.
330 330 -

Total Non-Departmental Other Expenses

309,460 309,460 308,179

Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure

     

Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services, including the Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services MCA (M19)

The single overarching purpose of this appropriation is to provide courts, tribunals and other authorities services, including the collection and enforcement of fines and civil debts services.
527,921 527,921 545,729

Departmental Output Expenses

     

Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services

This category is limited to the purchase of collection and enforcement of fines and civil debts services.
57,519 57,519 59,830

District Court Services

This category is limited to providing services that support the work of the District Court, including the Youth Court and Family Court.
281,823 281,823 293,765

Senior Courts Services

This category is limited to providing services that support the work of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court.
87,081 87,081 87,954

Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services

This category is limited to providing services that support the work of New Zealand's specialist courts, tribunals and authorities.
101,498 101,498 104,180

Total Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure

527,921 527,921 545,729

Total Annual Appropriations and Forecast Permanent Appropriations

837,381 837,381 853,908

Supporting Information#

Part 1 - Vote as a Whole#

1.1 - New Policy Initiatives#

Policy Initiative Appropriation 2019/20
Final Budgeted
$000
2020/21
Budget
$000
2021/22
Estimated
$000
2022/23
Estimated
$000
2023/24
Estimated
$000
Addressing the Depreciation Impacts of Property Revaluations

Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services, including the Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services MCA

8,080 8,080 8,080 8,080 8,080
  District Court Services 8,080 8,080 8,080 8,080 8,080
  Departmental Output Expenses          
Oranga Papori, Oranga Ohanga ma te Whenua Maori
Social and Economic Development Through Whenua Maori

Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services, including the Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services MCA

4,778 4,887 4,918 6,815 6,815
  Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services 4,778 4,887 4,918 6,815 6,815
  Departmental Output Expenses          
Maintaining Critical Technology to Ensure the Delivery of Justice Services

Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services, including the Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services MCA

- 7,258 2,791 2,839 2,890
  Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services - 785 303 307 313
  District Court Services - 4,034 1,551 1,578 1,606
  Senior Courts Services - 1,150 442 450 458
  Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services - 1,289 495 504 513
  Departmental Output Expenses          
Ongoing Funding for the Operation of the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal

Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services, including the Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services MCA

- 1,300 1,013 1,000 -
  Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services - 1,300 1,013 1,000 -
  Departmental Output Expenses          
 

Tribunal Related Fees and Expenses

(3,800) 2,500 2,255 2,226 -
  Non-Departmental Other Expenses          
Towards a Safe and Effective Criminal Justice System: Initial Response to the Final Reports and Recommendations

Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services, including the Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services MCA

864 3,084 2,220 - -
  District Court Services 864 3,084 2,220 - -
  Departmental Output Expenses          
Initiatives Responding to the 15 March Terror Attacks: Additional Funding

Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services, including the Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services MCA

2,834 2,258 - - -
  District Court Services 1,324 1,168 - - -
  Senior Courts Services 1,266 892 - - -
  Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services 244 198 - - -
  Departmental Output Expenses          
Total Initiatives   12,756 29,367 21,277 20,960 17,785

Summary of Financial Activity

  2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24
Actual
$000
Actual
$000
Actual
$000
Actual
$000
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated
Actual
$000
Departmental
Transactions
Budget
$000
Non-
Departmental
Transactions
Budget
$000
Total
Budget
$000
Estimated
$000
Estimated
$000
Estimated
$000

Appropriations

                       
Output Expenses - - - - - - - - - - - -
Benefits or Related Expenses - - - - - - N/A - - - - -
Borrowing Expenses - - - - - - - - - - - -
Other Expenses 228,691 254,139 259,230 270,774 309,460 309,460 - 308,179 308,179 309,121 309,526 307,300
Capital Expenditure - - - - - - - - - - - -
Intelligence and Security Department Expenses and Capital Expenditure - - - - - - - N/A - - - -
Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure (MCA)                        
Output Expenses 444,835 436,637 451,148 473,489 527,921 527,921 545,729 - 545,729 540,483 540,266 538,863
Other Expenses - - - - - - - - - - - -
Capital Expenditure - - - - - - N/A - - - - -

Total Appropriations

673,526 690,776 710,378 744,263 837,381 837,381 545,729 308,179 853,908 849,604 849,792 846,163

Crown Revenue and Capital Receipts

                       
Tax Revenue - - - - - - N/A - - - - -
Non-Tax Revenue 137,411 142,112 119,305 125,691 121,642 121,642 N/A 121,495 121,495 121,495 121,495 121,495
Capital Receipts - - - - - - N/A - - - - -

Total Crown Revenue and Capital Receipts

137,411 142,112 119,305 125,691 121,642 121,642 N/A 121,495 121,495 121,495 121,495 121,495

Note - where restructuring of the vote has occurred then, to the extent practicable, prior years information has been restated as if the restructuring had occurred before the beginning of the period covered. In this instance Total Appropriations for the Budgeted and Estimated Actual year may not equal Total Annual Appropriations and Forecast Permanent Appropriations and Multi-Year Appropriations in the Details of Appropriations and Capital Injections.

Adjustments to the Summary of Financial Activity Table Due to Vote Restructuring

There have been no restructuring adjustments to prior year information reported in last years' Summary of Financial Activity table.

Total Vote: All Appropriations

Figure 1: Vote trends in actual and budgeted expenditure by appropriation type

The Vote trends in actual and budgeted expenditure by appropriation type chart is a Line chart.

Source: Ministry of Justice

Output Expenses

The overall trend of increased output expenses reflects increased demand for Court services and increased remuneration. As part of the transformation of the justice system additional funding from 2019/20 has enhanced Court security, supported improved intergenerational wellbeing and provided operational support for the services funded through other expenses. Preliminary work will commence in 2020/21 to establish an innovative courthouse in Tauranga, the discovery phase giving an opportunity for iwi and community groups to design a courthouse that will transform the way justice services are delivered.

Other Expenses

Other expenses have gradually increased from 2015/16 and reflect the additional investment in the court system to meet increasing demand, including funding to support the sustainability of coronial services. In 2019/20 additional funding was provided to:

  • ensure the sustainability of the District Courts with the appointment of additional District Court Judges
  • improve the timely access to justice for people who have lodged a claim with the Human Rights Review Tribunal, and
  • provide the full year operational costs of the Canterbury Earthquake Insurance Tribunal.
Crown Revenue and Capital Receipts

Over 90% of the non-tax revenue is collected through Court fines that are subject to judicial decisions.

1.4 - Reconciliation of Changes in Appropriation Structure#

From 2020/21 the following changes to appropriation structure have been made:

  • the Statutes Amendment Act 2019 has amended the definition of Judge to include part-time and acting Judges from 1 July 2020. As a result of this change the separate appropriations for remuneration of part-time or acting judges, in senior and district courts, have been removed and the funding transferred to the District Court Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA and Senior Court Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA, and
  • the Judicial Review Costs appropriation has been merged into the Court and Coroner Related Costs appropriation as both appropriations reflect judicial process for court activities. This is part of the initial step of modernising the public finance system, which includes merging smaller appropriations.
2019/20 Appropriations
in the 2019/20 Structure
2019/20
(Current)
$000
Old Structure New Structure
Appropriations to which
Expenses (or Capital
Expenditure) have been Moved from or to
Amount
Moved
$000
2019/20 Appropriations
in the 2020/21 Structure
2019/20
(Restated)
$000
2020/21
$000

Non-Departmental Other Expenses

           
District Court Part-time or Acting Judges' Salaries and Allowances 17,937 Transferred to District Court Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA (17,937)   - -
District Court Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA 76,820 Transferred from District Court Part-time or Acting Judges' Salaries and Allowances 17,937 District Court Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA 94,757 91,690
Senior Courts Acting Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA 330 Transferred to Senior Courts Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA (330)   - -
Senior Courts Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA 46,491 Transferred from Senior Courts Acting Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA 330 Senior Courts Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA 46,821 46,821
Judicial Review Costs 2,246 Transferred to Court and Coroner Related Costs (2,246)   - -
Court and Coroner Related Costs 117,348 Transferred from Judicial Review Costs 2,246 Court and Coroner Related Costs 119,594 121,006
Total Changes in Appropriations 261,172   -   261,172 259,517

Explanations of the reasons for changing the appropriation structure are noted in the details of each appropriation in Parts 2-4.

Part 3 - Details of Non-Departmental Appropriations#

3.4 - Non-Departmental Other Expenses#

Abortion Supervisory Committee - Certifying Consultants Fees (M19)

Scope of Appropriation
Payments to certifying consultants for providing opinions under Section 33 of the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act 1977.
Expenses
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 5,063 5,063 5,063
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the efficient provision of medical opinions.

End of Year Performance Reporting

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Finance Act 1989, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments under Section 33 of the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act 1977.

Assistance to Victims of Crime (M19)

Scope of Appropriation
Funding for the Criminal Justice Assistance Reimbursement Scheme.
Expenses
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 40 40 40
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve effective support and services for victims, to reduce the impact of crime.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act 1989, as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental other expense is less than $5 million.

Community Magistrates Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)

Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to the remuneration and allowances of Community Magistrates as authorised by section 60 of the District Court Act 2016.
Expenses
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 1,449 1,449 1,449
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the efficient running of the courts system by providing payment of salaries and allowances to Community Magistrates.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Finance Act 1989, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments under the remuneration provisions of the District Court Act 2016.

Coroners Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)

Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to the costs related to the terms and conditions of remuneration for Coroners pursuant to Section 110 of the Coroners Act 2006.
Expenses
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 8,199 8,199 8,525
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the efficient running of the coronial system of New Zealand by providing payment of salaries and allowances to coroners.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Finance Act 1989, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments under Section 110 of the Coroners Act 2006.

Court and Coroner Related Costs (M19)

Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to meeting the costs of professional services directed by or provided to courts (including coroners), including costs required to be met by the Crown under legislation, remuneration of Lay Members and Visiting Justices, and payments ordered from the Maori Land Court Special Aid Fund.
Expenses
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 117,348 117,348 121,006
Components of the Appropriation
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Family Court Professional Services 46,761 46,761 47,599
Children Young Persons and Their Families Professional services 11,400 11,400 11,400
Coroner-Directed Post-Mortems 18,600 18,600 18,600
Youth Court Professional Fees 15,892 15,892 16,566
Domestic Violence Professional Services 12,900 12,900 13,166
Medical and Other Professional Services 5,440 5,440 5,774
Personal Property Protection Rights Costs 3,100 3,100 3,100
Witness Fees and Expenses 2,700 2,700 2,700
Maori Land Court Special Aid Fund - - 1,327
Visiting Justices to Prisons 350 350 350
Judicial Review Costs - - 219
Costs in Criminal Cases 155 155 155
Representations for Blood Sampling 50 50 50
Total 117,348 117,348 121,006
Comparators for Restructured Appropriation
Vote, Type and Title of Appropriation 2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Vote Courts: Non-departmental Other Expenses: Judicial Review Costs 2,246 2,246 -
Total 119,594 119,594 121,006
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve effective professional and administrative services to ensure that court users receive appropriate support and representation, and the judiciary have sufficient information to proceed with cases.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements
Assessment of Performance 2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
Standard
Estimated
Actual
Budget
Standard

Number of Oranga Tamariki Act professional services appointed in the Family Court (see Note 1 and 2)

4,800-5,300 5,100 >4,800

Number of external professional services appointed in the Family Court (see Note 1 and 3)

12,000-15,000 14,440 >13,000

Percentage of people who started a non-violence programme who completed the programme

70% 70% 65% (see Note 4)

Number of protected persons/victims of family violence referred to safety programmes

6,000-7,000 7,000 6,000-7,000

Note 1 - This is the same measure as 2019/20, but the wording of the measure has been clarified.

Note 2 - The services provided are demand driven and dependent on the type of cases before the court. The services are judicially ordered.

Note 3 - The services provided include court appointed counsel, such as lawyer for child, lawyer to assist the court and specialist report writers. These services are demand driven and professional service providers are engaged when the Judge determines there is a need. An application can have more than one type of service provision appointment.

Note 4 - The Standard has been updated to align with the service level agreement with the service provider.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Minister for Courts in a report appended to the Ministry of Justice's Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives
Policy Initiative Year of
First
Impact
2019/20
Final Budgeted
$000
2020/21
Budget
$000
2021/22
Estimated
$000
2022/23
Estimated
$000
2023/24
Estimated
$000

Current Government

           
Ensuring the Sustainability of the District Court by Appointing Additional District Court Judges 2019/20 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000
Improving the Justice Response to Sexual Violence Victims 2019/20 - - 200 200 200
Youth Justice - Including 17 Year Olds in the Youth Justice System and Managing Remand Pressures 2019/20 4,392 4,366 4,337 4,337 4,337
Court and Coronial Services - Additional Investment 2018/19 22,000 22,000 22,000 22,000 22,000

Previous Government

           
Review of Family Violence Legislation 2018/19 1,450 2,288 3,412 3,846 3,846
Maintaining Capacity in the Justice System 2017/18 8,200 8,800 8,800 8,800 8,800
Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The increase in this appropriation for 2020/21 of $3.658 million is mainly due to:

  • a fiscally neutral adjustment of $2.246 million from the Judicial Review Costs appropriation to merge smaller appropriations as part of an initial step in modernising the public finance system
  • an increase of $838,000 for the review of family violence legislation, and
  • an increase of $600,000 to maintain the capacity and capability of the Justice system to meet the ongoing demand for services.

District Court Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)

Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to the remuneration and allowances of Judges in the District Court, including the Environment Court, as authorised by section 34 of the District Court Act 2016.
Expenses
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 76,820 76,820 91,690
Components of the Appropriation
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
District Court Judges 72,304 72,304 87,174
Environment Court Judges 4,516 4,516 4,516
Total 76,820 76,820 91,960
Comparators for Restructured Appropriation
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Vote Courts: Non-Departmental Other Expenses: District Court Part-time or Acting Judges' Salaries and Allowances 17,937 17,937 -
Total 94,757 94,757 91,690
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the efficient running of the court system by providing payment of salaries and allowances to the District Court and Environment Court judiciary.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Finance Act 1989 as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments under remuneration provisions of the District Court Act 2016.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives
Policy Initiative Year of
First
Impact
2019/20
Final Budgeted
$000
2020/21
Budget
$000
2021/22
Estimated
$000
2022/23
Estimated
$000
2023/24
Estimated
$000

Current Government

           
Ensuring the Sustainability of the District Court by Appointing Additional District Court Judges 2019/20 5,010 4,710 4,710 4,710 4,710

Previous Government

           
Investing in Policing - Safe, Confident and Resilient Communities 2017/18 3,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000
Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The increase in this appropriation for 2020/21 of $14.870 million is mainly due to:

  • a fiscally neutral adjustment of $14.496 million to transfer the District Court Part-time or Acting Judges' Salaries and Allowances appropriation following legislative changes, and
  • an increase of $1 million for costs associated with the Investing in Policing - Safe, Confident and Resilient Communities initiative.

Employment Court Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)

Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to costs related to the terms and conditions of remuneration for Judges and acting warranted Judges in the Employment Court incurred pursuant to s.206 Employment Relations Act 2000.
Expenses
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 4,191 4,191 4,191
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the efficient running of the courts system by providing payment of salaries and allowances to the Employment Court judiciary.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Finance Act 1989, as additional information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments under s206 Employment Relations Act 2000.

Impairment of Debt Established to Recognise Contributions towards Family Court Professional Services (M19)

Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to the impairment of debt owing as a contribution towards Family Court Professional Services costs in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Expenses
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 1,292 1,292 1,292
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the efficient running of the Family Court system by providing for the incurring of expenses involved in the impairment of debt.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Finance Act 1989, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for the impairment of debt.

Impairment of Fines Receivable (M19)

Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to allowing for the impairment of fines, court costs and enforcement fees in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Expenses
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 2,000 2,000 2,000
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the efficient running of the court system by providing for the incurring of expenses involved in the impairment of fines, court costs and enforcement fees.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Finance Act 1989, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for the impairment of fines and enforcement fees.

Justices of the Peace Association (M19)

Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to the cost of administrative services from the Royal Federation of Justices including training and rostering Justices of the Peace for court hearings, and training for Visiting Justices.
Expenses
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 450 450 450
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the efficient provision of Justices of the Peace services by providing funding for the work performed by the Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices' Associations.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act 1989, as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental other expense is less than $5 million.

Maori Land Court Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)

Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to costs related to the terms and conditions of remuneration for Judges and acting warranted Judges in the Maori Land Court incurred pursuant to s.13 Te Ture Whenua Maori Land Act 1993.
Expenses
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 6,007 6,007 6,007
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the efficient running of the courts system by providing payment of salaries and allowances to the Maori Land Court judiciary.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Finance Act 1989, as additional information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments under s13 Te Ture Whenua Maori Land Act 1993.

Senior Courts Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)

Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to the remuneration and allowances of Judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court as authorised by section 135 of the Senior Courts Act 2016.
Expenses
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 46,491 46,491 46,821
Comparators for Restructured Appropriation
Vote, Type and Title of Appropriation 2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Vote Courts: Non-Departmental Other Expenses Senior Courts Acting Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA 330 330 -
Total 46,821 46,821 46,821
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the efficient running of the courts system by providing payment of salaries and allowances to Judges in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Finance Act 1989 as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments under the remuneration provisions of the Senior Courts Act 2016.

Tribunal Related Fees and Expenses (M19)

Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to funding remuneration, allowances, or fees for the Chairs, Members, Adjudicators and Assessors of Specialist Tribunals, and expenses incurred by those Chairs, Members, Adjudicators and Assessors in relation to Tribunal work.
Expenses
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 19,597 19,597 19,645
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the efficient running of the tribunals administered by the Ministry of Justice through the payment of remuneration, allowances, fees and expenses for Chairs, Members, Adjudicators, and Assessors of Specialist Tribunals.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Finance Act 1989, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for funding remuneration, allowances or fees.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives
Policy Initiative Year of
First
Impact
2019/20
Final Budgeted
$000
2020/21
Budget
$000
2021/22
Estimated
$000
2022/23
Estimated
$000
2023/24
Estimated
$000
Ongoing Funding for the Operation of the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal 2019/20 (3,800) 2,500 2,255 2,266 -
Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal 2019/20 2,260 - - - -
Human Rights Review Tribunal - Increasing Access to Justice for People Whose Human Rights May Have Been Breached 2019/20 896 1,002 1,002 1,002 1,002

Part 4 - Details of Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure#

Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure#

Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services, including the Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services (M19)

Overarching Purpose Statement
The single overarching purpose of this appropriation is to provide courts, tribunals and other authorities services, including the collection and enforcement of fines and civil debts services.
Scope of Appropriation
Departmental Output Expenses

Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services
This category is limited to the purchase of collection and enforcement of fines and civil debts services.

District Court Services
This category is limited to providing services that support the work of the District Court, including the Youth Court and Family Court.

Senior Courts Services
This category is limited to providing services that support the work of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court.

Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services
This category is limited to providing services that support the work of New Zealand's specialist courts, tribunals and authorities.

Expenses, Revenue and Capital Expenditure
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000

Total Appropriation

527,921 527,921 545,729

Departmental Output Expenses

     
Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services 57,519 57,519 59,830
District Court Services 281,823 281,823 293,765
Senior Courts Services 87,081 87,081 87,954
Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services 101,498 101,498 104,180

Funding for Departmental Output Expenses

     

Revenue from the Crown

474,838 474,838 494,580
Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services 52,363 52,363 54,791
District Court Services 260,893 260,893 274,151
Senior Courts Services 75,266 75,266 76,477
Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services 86,316 86,316 89,161

Revenue from Others

53,046 53,046 51,212
Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services 5,156 5,156 5,039
District Court Services 20,930 20,930 19,614
Senior Courts Services 11,815 11,815 11,477
Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services 15,145 15,145 15,082
Components of the Appropriation
  2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000

Departmental

     

Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services

     
Collection and Enforcement of Fines 48,609 48,609 50,561
Collection and Enforcement of Civil Debt 8,910 8,910 9,269
Total 57,519 57,519 59,830

District Court Services

     
Criminal Court 195,907 195,907 204,007
Family Court 66,375 66,375 69,385
Civil Court 19,541 19,541 20,373
Total 281,823 281,823 293,765

Senior Court Services

     
High Court - Criminal 39,953 39,953 40,353
High Court - Civil 25,562 25,562 25,819
Supreme Court - Criminal 7,559 7,559 7,635
Supreme Court - Civil 7,464 7,464 7,539
Court of Appeal - Criminal 3,407 3,407 3,441
Court of Appeal - Civil 3,136 3,136 3,167
Total 87,081 87,081 87,954

Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services

     
Maori Land Court and Maori Land Information 32,019 32,019 32,730
Other Tribunals and Authorities 21,386 21,386 21,993
Waitangi Tribunal Services 11,482 11,482 11,807
Coroner Services 9,997 9,997 10,281
Disputes Tribunal 9,413 9,413 9,680
Environment Court 7,442 7,442 7,653
Tenancy Tribunal 7,425 7,425 7,636
Employment Court 2,334 2,334 2,400
Total 101,498 101,498 104,180
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve an efficient and accessible system of courts, tribunals and other authorities, which is trusted by New Zealanders.

How Performance will be Assessed for this Appropriation
Assessment of Performance 2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
Standard
Estimated
Actual
Budget
Standard

Satisfaction of court users with court services and facilities (see Note 1)

80% 82% 80%

Percentage of juror survey responses that rate overall juror satisfaction as "satisfied" or better

90% 90% 90%

Percentage of category 3 and 4 criminal cases resolved within 12 months

90% 83% 90%

Note 1 - This survey is conducted biennially. The estimated actual is based off the result from 2018/19. The next survey is due in 2020/21.

What is Intended to be Achieved with each Category and How Performance will be Assessed
Assessment of Performance 2019/20 2020/21
Final Budgeted
Standard
Estimated
Actual
Budget
Standard

Departmental Output Expenses

     

Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services

     

This category is intended to achieve efficient, accessible and responsive collections of fines, reparations and civil debt services that are trusted by the public

     

Total amount of fines collected

$165 million to $185 million $219 million At least $180 million

Percentage of court-imposed and infringement fines collected or placed under arrangement within 4 months

80% 80% 80%

Civil enforcement applications processed in 3 days

90% 94% 90%

Percentage of Offender Levy collected or placed under arrangement within 4 months

75% 78% 75%

Percentage of debt that is under arrangement

43% 48% 45%

Average time to answer calls to the Contact Centre (mm:ss) (see Note 1)

01:30 0:40 1:30

District Court Services

     

This category is intended to achieve efficient, accessible and responsive District Courts services that are trusted by the public.

     

Percentage of Care of Children Act applications resolved within 12 months in the Family Court

75% 74% 75%

Percentage of category 2 criminal cases resolved within 3 months

70% 70% 70%

Number of District Court criminal cases (including youth) disposed

110,000-130,000 128,200 >110,000

Number of civil cases disposed

16,000-19,000 18,500 >16,000

Number of Family Court substantive applications disposed

55,000-69,000 58,600 >55,000

Number of calls received by the 0800 victims of crime information line

23,000-25,000 29,300 17,000-19,000 (see Note 2)

Percentage of calls answered by the 0800 victims of crime information line answered within 30 seconds

85% 78% 80%

Average time to answer calls to the Registry Contact Centre (mm:ss) (see Note 3)

01:30 0:20 01:30

Dissolution of marriage applications processed within 6 days

90% 94% 90%

Applications to commence civil proceedings processed within 6 days

90% 98% 90%

Senior Courts Services

     

This category is intended to achieve efficient, accessible and responsive Senior Courts services that are trusted by the public.

     

Number of Supreme Court civil and criminal applications for leave to appeal and appeals disposed

70-200 167 100-200

Number of Court of Appeal civil and criminal appeals disposed

570-730 635 570-730

Number of High Court civil and criminal appeals disposed

1,200 - 1,500 1,589 1,400-1,700

Number of High Court civil and criminal cases disposed

2,100 - 2,700 2,359 2,100 - 2,700

Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services

     

This category is intended to achieve efficient, accessible and responsive specialist courts, tribunals and other authorities' services that are trusted by the public.

     
Accident Compensation Appeals District Court Registry (ACA DCR)
     

Percentage of Accident Compensation Appeals District Court Registry cases disposed

85% 90% 85%
Alcohol Regulatory Licensing Authority
     

Percentage of Alcohol Regulatory Licensing Authority appeals and enforcements resolved within 6 months

75% 75% 75%
Coronial Services Unit
     

Number of coronial cases disposed

3,100-3,300 3,200 >3,100

Percentage of coronial cases on hand under 12 months old

60% 51% 60%
Disputes Tribunal
     

Number of Disputes Tribunal claims disposed

12,800-14,000 11,300 >12,000

Percentage of Disputes Tribunal claims disposed within 3 months

75% 67% 75%

Disputes Tribunal applications processed within 6 days

85% 88% 85%
Employment Court
     

Number of Employment Court cases disposed

150-180 260 >150

Percentage of Employment Court cases on hand under 12 months old

75% 70% 75%
Environment Court
     

Number of Environment Court cases disposed

350-500 500 >350

Percentage of Environment Court cases on hand under 18 months old

75% 80% 75%
Human Rights Review Tribunal
     

Percentage of Human Rights Review Tribunal cases disposed

New measure New measure 80%
Immigration and Protection Tribunal
     

Percentage of Immigration and Protection Tribunal cases disposed

90% 95% 90%
Maori Land Court
     

Number of Maori Land Court and Maori Appellate Court applications disposed

5,700-5,900 5,100 >5,000

Percentage of Maori Land Court and Maori Appellate Court applications disposed within 12 months

80% 70% 80%
Tenancy Tribunal
     

Number of Tenancy Tribunal applications resolved

18,300-20,200 14,000 >18,300
Waitangi Tribunal
     

Percentage of Waitangi Tribunal claims processed within 30 days

90% 100% 90%

Percentage of Waitangi Tribunal urgent applications determined in 1 month of receipt of last submissions

90% 80% 90%

Number of Waitangi Tribunal reports completed to the Chief Historian's standard and by the agreed timeframes

5-10 10 5-10

Percentage of Waitangi Tribunal drafts completed to the Chief Historian's standard and by the agreed timeframes

90% 100% 90%

Note 1 - The 2019/20 measure referred to the contact centre as the Fines Contact Centre.

Note 2 - The Standard has been updated to align with the Service Level Agreement with the provider.

Note 3 - The 2019/20 measure referred to the contact centre as 0800 Courts.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Justice in its Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives
Policy Initiative Year of
First
Impact
2019/20
Final Budgeted
$000
2020/21
Budget
$000
2021/22
Estimated
$000
2022/23
Estimated
$000
2023/24
Estimated
$000

Current Government

           

Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services

           
Maintaining Critical Technology to Ensure the Delivery of Justice Services 2020/21 - 785 303 307 313
Enhancing Court Security 2019/20 162 162 162 162 162
Improving Base Pay of Ministry of Justice Employees 2018/19 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
Ministry of Justice - Additional Investment 2018/19 1,465 1,994 2,239 2,239 2,239

District Court Services

           
Maintaining Critical Technology to Ensure the Delivery of Justice Services 2020/21 - 4,034 1,551 1,578 1,606
Addressing the Depreciation Impacts of Property Revaluations 2019/20 8,080 8,080 8,080 8,080 8,080
Towards a Safe and Effective Criminal Justice System: Initial Response to the Final Reports and Recommendations 2019/20 864 3,084 2,220 - -
Initiatives Responding to the 15 March Terror Attacks: Additional Funding 2019/20 1,324 1,168 - - -
Improving the Justice Response to Sexual Violence Victims 2019/20 488 1,085 1,731 1,807 2,057
Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court - Operational Support 2019/20 2019/20 200 - - - -
An Effective, Timely Crown Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in Care 2019/20 135 - - - -
Enhancing Court Security 2019/20 6,723 6,723 6,723 6,723 6,723
Alleviating Depreciation Cost Pressure in the Justice System Due to Revaluation of Property 2019/20 2,200 2,200 2,200 2,200 2,200
Ensuring the Sustainability of the District Court by Appointing Additional District Court Judges 2019/20 3,626 3,441 3,483 3,483 3,483
Improving Base Pay of Ministry of Justice Employees 2018/19 6,378 6,378 6,378 6,378 6,378
Ministry of Justice - Additional Investment 2018/19 6,609 8,994 10,101 10,101 10,101
Youth Justice - Including 17 Year Olds in the Youth Justice System and Managing Remand Pressures 2018/19 108 34 63 63 63

Senior Courts Services

           
Maintaining Critical Technology to Ensure the Delivery of Justice Services 2020/21 - 1,150 442 450 458
Initiatives Responding to the 15 March Terror Attacks: Additional Funding 2019/20 1,266 892 - - -
An Effective, Timely Crown Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in Care 2019/20 65 - - - -
Enhancing Court Security 2019/20 567 567 567 567 567
Improving Base Pay of Ministry of Justice Employees 2018/19 1,491 1,491 1,491 1,491 1,491
Ministry of Justice - Additional Investment 2018/19 1,845 2,512 2,820 2,820 2,820

Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services

           
Maintaining Critical Technology to Ensure the Delivery of Justice Services 2020/21 - 1,289 495 504 513
Ongoing Funding for the Operation of the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal 2019/20 - 1,300 1,013 1,000 -
Oranga Papori, Oranga Ohanga ma te Whenua Maori
Social and Economic Development Through Whenua Maori
2019/20 4,778 4,887 4,918 6,815 6,815
Initiatives Responding to the 15 March Terror Attacks: Additional Funding 2019/20 244 198 - - -
Enhancing Court Security 2019/20 648 648 648 648 648
Human Rights Review Tribunal - Increasing Access to Justice for People Whose Human Rights May Have Been Breached 2019/20 516 521 521 519 515
Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal 2019/20 1,127 - - - -
Improving Base Pay of Ministry of Justice Employees 2018/19 2,569 2,569 2,569 2,569 2,569
Ministry of Justice - Additional Investment 2018/19 2,148 2,923 3,282 3,282 3,282

Previous Government

           

Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services

           
Investing in Policing - Safe, Confident and Resilient Communities 2017/18 1,800 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000

District Court Services

           
Investing in Policing - Safe, Confident and Resilient Communities 2017/18 6,000 11,000 11,000 11,000 11,000
Review of Family Violence Legislation 2017/18 4,719 5,616 6,469 6,466 5,766
Dunedin Courthouse - Capital Charge and Depreciation 2016/17 2,126 2,126 2,126 2,126 2,126
Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 Implementation 2016/17 200 200 200 200 200
Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct 2016/17 12,712 12,712 12,712 12,712 12,712

Senior Courts Services

           
Dunedin Courthouse - Capital Charge and Depreciation 2016/17 133 133 133 133 133

Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services

           
Dunedin Courthouse - Capital Charge and Depreciation 2016/17 149 149 149 149 149
Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The increase in this appropriation for 2020/21 of $17.808 million is mainly due to:

  • an increase of $7.258 million for maintaining critical technology
  • an increase of $5.200 million for work with joint venture agencies on the Safe, Confident and Resilient Communities: Investing in Policing initiative
  • an increase of $4.356 million to maintain the capacity and capability of the Justice system to meet the ongoing demand for services
  • a fiscally neutral adjustment of $2.908 million to address increased security costs within the Courts, and
  • an increase of $2.200 million towards a safe and effective criminal justice system initiative, which includes preliminary work to establish an innovative courthouse in Tauranga.

This is partially offset by:

  • a decrease of $1.516 million relating to a reduction in capital charge following the sale and lease-back of land under treaty settlements
  • a fiscally neutral adjustment in 2019/20 of $828,000 for employees seconded to other government agencies
  • an expense transfer from 2018/19 to 2019/20 of $800,000 for the Human Rights Review Tribunal to address the backlog of cases, and
  • a fiscally neutral adjustment in 2019/20 of $775,000 to assist with hosting the 2020 International Association of Women Judges Conference in New Zealand, with costs reimbursed by third parties.
Memorandum Accounts
  2019/20 2020/21
Budgeted
$000
Estimated Actual
$000
Budget
$000

Second Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers

     
Opening Balance at 1 July 519 519 482
Revenue 195 195 300
Expenses (232) (232) (237)
Transfers and Adjustments      

Closing Balance at 30 June

482 482 545

Legal Complaints Review Officers

     
Opening Balance at 1 July 197 197 197
Revenue 1,759 1,759 1,759
Expenses (1,759) (1,759) (1,759)
Transfers and Adjustments      

Closing Balance at 30 June

197 197 197