Estimates of appropriations

Vote Courts - Justice Sector - Estimates 2019/20

Publication type:
Estimates of appropriations
Status:
Current
Document (signed) date:
Issue date:
Part of:
Corporate author:
Government of New Zealand
Viewpoint:
Government
Publication category:
Budgets of the government
Copyright:
© Crown Copyright, Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
Fiscal year:
2019/20
Budget year:
2019
Budget vote:
Courts
Last updated:

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 for the 2019/20 financial year, covering the following:

  • a total of nearly $505 million (62% of the Vote) on purchasing services (mostly support for managing cases, claims and applications through courts and tribunals, and the collection and enforcement of fines and civil debts) from the Ministry of Justice
  • a total of nearly $152 million (18% of the Vote) on purchasing services from non-departmental providers. The major part of the appropriations covers costs incurred under various Acts, and
  • a total of just over $163 million (20% of the Vote) on non-departmental expenditure to cover Judges', Coroners' and Community Magistrates' salaries and allowances.

The imposition of nearly $122 million of fines, offender levies, contributions towards lawyer for child costs, and penalties imposed through the courts is expected for the 2019/20 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#

  2018/19 2019/20
Titles and Scopes of Appropriations by Appropriation Type 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.		 4,463 4,463 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.		 1,299 1,299 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.		 6,568 6,568 8,199

Court and Coroner Related Costs (M19)

This appropriation is limited to funding professional and administrative services provided to or directed by courts and coroners, including costs that are required by legislation and costs incurred by Visiting Justices.		 109,739 109,739 118,048

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.		 74,262 74,262 76,820

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.		 21,262 21,262 19,631

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.		 4,352 4,352 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

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.		 1,546 1,546 1,546

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.		 7,619 7,619 6,007

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.		 330 330 330

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.		 47,453 47,453 46,491

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.		 16,828 16,828 23,397

Total Non-Departmental Other Expenses

299,503 299,503 314,954

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.		 473,758 473,758 504,795

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.		 55,774 55,774 58,640

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.		 256,059 256,059 281,165

Senior Courts Services

This category is limited to providing services that support the work of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court.		 74,887 74,887 75,579

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.		 87,038 87,038 89,411

Total Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure

473,758 473,758 504,795

Total Annual Appropriations and Forecast Permanent Appropriations

773,261 773,261 819,749

Supporting Information#

Part 1 - Vote as a Whole#

1.1 - New Policy Initiatives

Policy Initiative Appropriation 2018/19
Final Budgeted
$000		 2019/20
Budget
$000		 2020/21
Estimated
$000		 2021/22
Estimated
$000		 2022/23
Estimated
$000
Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court - Operational Support 2019/20

Courts, Tribunals and Other

Authorities Services, including

the Collection and Enforcement

of Fines and Civil Debts

Services MCA

         
 

District Court Services

Departmental Output Expenses		 - 200 - - -
An Effective, Timely Crown Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in Care

Courts, Tribunals and Other

Authorities Services, including

the Collection and Enforcement

of Fines and Civil Debts

Services MCA

         
 

District Court Services

- 135 - - -
 

Senior Courts Services

Departmental Output Expenses		 - 65 - - -
Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal

Courts, Tribunals and Other

Authorities Services, including

the Collection and Enforcement

of Fines and Civil Debts

Services MCA

         
 

Specialist Courts, Tribunals and

Other Authorities Services

Departmental Output Expenses		 - 1,127 - - -
  Tribunal Related Fees and Expenses
Non-Departmental Other
Expenses		 - 2,260 - - -
Improving Base Pay of Ministry of Justice Employees

Courts, Tribunals and Other

Authorities Services, including

the Collection and Enforcement

of Fines and Civil Debts

Services MCA

         
 

Collection and Enforcement of

Fines and Civil Debts Services

797 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
 

District Court Services

2,031 6,378 6,378 6,378 6,378
 

Senior Courts Services

475 1,491 1,491 1,491 1,491
 

Specialist Courts, Tribunals and

Other Authorities Services

819 2,569 2,569 2,569 2,569
  Departmental Output Expenses          
Enhancing Court Security

Courts, Tribunals and Other

Authorities Services, including

the Collection and Enforcement

of Fines and Civil Debts

Services MCA

         
 

Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services

- 162 162 162 162
 

District Court Services

- 6,723 6,723 6,723 6,723
 

Senior Courts Services

- 567 567 567 567
 

Specialist Courts, Tribunals and

Other Authorities Services

- 648 648 648 648
  Departmental Output Expenses          
Alleviating Depreciation Cost Pressure in the Justice System Due to Revaluation of Property

Courts, Tribunals and Other

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

         
 

District Court Services

Departmental Output Expenses		 - 2,200 2,200 2,200 2,200
Ensuring the Sustainability of the District Court by Appointing Additional District Court Judges

District Court Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA

- 5,010 4,710 4,710 4,710
  Non-Departmental Other Expenses          
  Court and Coroner Related Costs - 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000
  Non-Departmental Other Expenses          
 

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

         
 

District Court Services

Departmental Output Expenses		 - 3,626 3,441 3,483 3,483
Human Rights Review Tribunal - Increasing Access to Justice for People Whose Human Rights May Have Been Breached Tribunal Related Fees and Expenses - 896 1,002 1,002 1,002
  Non-Departmental Other Expenses          
 

Courts, Tribunals and Other

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

         
 

Specialist Courts, Tribunals and

Other Authorities Services

Departmental Output Expenses		 - 516 521 521 519
Improving the Justice Response to Sexual Violence Victims Court and Coroner Related Costs - - - 200 200
  Non-Departmental Other Expenses          
 

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

Services MCA

         
 

District Court Services

Departmental Output Expenses		 - 488 1,085 1,731 1,807
Drawdown from the Whenua Maori Reform Contingency

Courts, Tribunals and Other

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

         
 

Specialist Courts, Tribunals and

Other Authorities Services

Departmental Output Expenses		 590 - - - -
Total Initiatives   4,712 33,800 30,069 31,165 31,472

1.2 - Trends in the Vote

Summary of Financial Activity
  2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23
  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 207,810 228,691 254,139 259,230 299,503 299,503 - 314,954 314,954 310,814 312,001 312,435
Capital Expenditure - - - - - - - - - - - -
Intelligence and Security Department Expenses and Capital Expenditure - - - - - - - N/A - - - -
Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure (MCA)                        
Output Expenses 435,917 444,835 436,637 451,148 473,758 473,758 504,795 - 504,795 513,256 515,795 515,866
Other Expenses - - - - - - - - - - - -
Capital Expenditure - - - - - - N/A - - - - -

Total Appropriations

643,727 673,526 690,776 710,378 773,261 773,261 504,795 314,954 819,749 824,070 827,796 828,301

Crown Revenue and Capital Receipts

                       
Tax Revenue - - - - - - N/A - - - - -
Non-Tax Revenue 143,437 137,411 142,112 119,305 121,791 121,791 N/A 121,642 121,642 121,495 121,495 121,495
Capital Receipts - - - - - - N/A - - - - -

Total Crown Revenue and Capital Receipts

143,437 137,411 142,112 119,305 121,791 121,791 N/A 121,642 121,642 121,495 121,495 121,495

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 in the Summary of Financial Activity table.

1.3 - Analysis of Significant Trends

Total Vote: All Appropriations
Output Expenses

The overall trend of increased output expenses reflects additional funding to meet increased remuneration, asset maintenance and ongoing information and communications technology costs. In 2019/20 additional funding will enhance Court security, improve intergenerational wellbeing and provide operational support for the services funded through other expenses.

Other Expenses

Other expenses have gradually increased from 2014/15 and reflect the additional investment in the court system to meet increasing demand and to support the long-term sustainability of coronial services. In 2019/20 additional funding will:

  • 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 70% of the non-tax revenue is collected through Court fines, that are subject to judicial decisions.

Figure 1 - Vote trends in actual expenses and capital expenditure by appropriation type.

Figure 1 - Vote trends in actual expenses and capital expenditure by appropriation type

Figure 1 - Vote trends in actual expenses and capital expenditure by appropriation type

Source: Ministry of Justice

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
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 4,463 4,463 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.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The increase in this appropriation for 2019/20 of $600,000 is due to a fiscally neutral transfer in 2018/19 only to the Court and Coroner Related Costs appropriation to address increasing demand on Family Court professional services.

Assistance to Victims of Crime (M19)
Scope of Appropriation
Funding for the Criminal Justice Assistance Reimbursement Scheme.
Expenses
  2018/19 2019/20
  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.

End of Year Performance Reporting

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
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 1,299 1,299 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.

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 the remuneration provisions of the District Court Act 2016.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The increase in this appropriation of $150,000 for 2019/20 is due to increased expenditure as a result of the Judicial and Statutory Officers Fees Review 2017/18.

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
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 6,568 6,568 8,199
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.

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 110 of the Coroners Act 2006.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The increase in this appropriation of $1.631 million for 2019/20 is to ensure the sustainability of coronial jurisdiction by appointing addtional relief coroners.

Court and Coroner Related Costs (M19)
Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to funding professional and administrative services provided to or directed by courts and coroners, including costs that are required by legislation and costs incurred by Visiting Justices.
Expenses
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 109,739 109,739 118,048
Components of the Appropriation
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Family Court Professional Services 42,844 42,844 46,761
Children Young Persons and Their Families Professional services 11,400 11,400 11,400
Coroner-Directed Post-Mortems 18,600 18,600 18,600
Domestic Violence Professional Services 12,900 12,900 12,900
Youth Court Professional Fees 12,200 12,200 16,592
Medical and Other Professional Services 5,440 5,440 5,440
Witness Fees and Expenses 2,700 2,700 2,700
Personal Property Protection Rights Costs 3,100 3,100 3,100
Visiting Justices to Prisons 350 350 350
Costs in Criminal Cases 155 155 155
Representations for Blood Sampling 50 50 50
Total 109,739 109,739 118,048
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
  2018/19 2019/20
Assessment of Performance Final Budgeted
Standard		 Estimated
Actual		 Budget
Standard

Children Young Persons and Their Families Professional Services: Number of service provision appointments (see Note 1)

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

Family Court Professional Services: Number of service provision appointments (see Note 2)

 10,200-11,300 13,800 12,000-15,000

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

 70% 75% 70%

Number of safety planning services delivered to protected persons/victims

 3,800-4,300 7,000 6,000-7,000

Note 1 - The services provided are demand driven and dependent on the type of cases before the court. The services are judicially ordered.

Note 2 - 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.

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		 2018/19
Final Budgeted
$000		 2019/20
Budget
$000		 2020/21
Estimated
$000		 2021/22
Estimated
$000		 2022/23
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
Improving the Justice Response to Sexual Violence Victims 2019/20 - - - 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
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 2018/19 533 1,450 2,288 2,288 2,288
Maintaining Capacity in the Justice System 2017/18 7,600 8,200 8,800 8,800 8,800
Vulnerable Children Bill Implementation 2015/16 5,150 5,140 5,140 5,140 5,140
Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The increase in this appropriation of $8.309 million for 2019/20 is mainly due to:

  • an increase of $4.392 million for youth justice and managing remand pressures, and
  • an increase of $3 million to ensure the sustainability of the District Courts by the appointment of additional District Court Judges.
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
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 74,262 74,262 76,820
Components of the Appropriation
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
District Court Judges 69,592 69,592 72,304
Environment Court Judges 4,670 4,670 4,516
Total 74,262 74,262 76,820
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.

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 remuneration provisions of the District Court Act 2016.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives
Policy Initiative Year of
First
Impact		 2018/19
Final Budgeted
$000		 2019/20
Budget
$000		 2020/21
Estimated
$000		 2021/22
Estimated
$000		 2022/23
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

Previous Government

           
Investing in Policing - Safe, Confident and Resilient Communities 2017/18 1,500 3,000 4,000 4,000 4,000
District Court Part-time or Acting Judges' Salaries and Allowances (M19)
Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to the remuneration and allowances of part-time and acting Judges in the District Court, including the Environment Court.
Expenses
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 21,262 21,262 19,631
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 part-time and acting Judges in the District Court.

End of Year Performance Reporting

An exemption was granted under s15(D)(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 remuneration and allowances of District Court part-time or acting Judges.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The decrease in this appropriation of $1.631 million is to provide for additional relief coroners in the Coroners Salaries and Allowances PLA appropriation.

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
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 4,352 4,352 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
  2018/19 2019/20
  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
  2018/19 2019/20
  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.

Judicial Review Costs (M19)
Scope of Appropriation
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.
Expenses
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 1,546 1,546 1,546
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve an effective process for ensuring that decisions made by public bodies are lawful and within their rights.

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.

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
  2018/19 2019/20
  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
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 7,619 7,619 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.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The decrease in this appropriation for 2019/20 of $1.612 million is mainly due to a one-off increase in 2018/19 for the valuation of the sabbatical leave liability for Judges.

Senior Courts Acting Judges' Salaries and Allowances PLA (M19)
Scope of Appropriation
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.
Expenses
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 330 330 330
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 acting warranted Judges and Associate 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.

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
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 47,453 47,453 46,491
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
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 16,828 16,828 23,397
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		 2018/19
Final Budgeted
$000		 2019/20
Budget
$000		 2020/21
Estimated
$000		 2021/22
Estimated
$000		 2022/23
Estimated
$000
Current Government            
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
Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal 2018/19 1,050 - - - -
Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The increase in this appropriation for 2019/20 of $6.569 million is mainly due to:

  • an expense transfer from 2018/19 to 2019/20 resulting in a net $4.964 million increase to fund the work programme of the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal, reflecting the expected dates for the enactment of legislation
  • an expense transfer from 2018/19 to 2019/20 resulting in a net $2.800 million increase to address the backlog of cases in the Human Rights Review Tribunal
  • a one-off increase of $2.260 million for the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal ongoing operational costs, and
  • an increase of $896,000 to improve timely access to justice for people who have lodged a claim with the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

This is partly offset by:

  • a decrease of $2.850 million for the Canterbury Earthquake Insurance Tribunal funding for 2018/19 only, and
  • a decrease of $1.609 million for a one-off transfer from 2017/18 to 2018/19 to address the backlog of cases in the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

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
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000

Total Appropriation

473,758 473,758 504,795

Departmental Output Expenses

     
Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services 55,774 55,774 58,640
District Court Services 256,059 256,059 281,165
Senior Courts Services 74,887 74,887 75,579
Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services 87,038 87,038 89,411

Funding for Departmental Output Expenses

     

Revenue from the Crown

422,678 422,678 454,505
Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services 51,199 51,199 54,091
District Court Services 229,316 229,316 255,102
Senior Courts Services 63,854 63,854 64,616
Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services 78,309 78,309 80,696

Revenue from Others

51,025 51,025 50,212
Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services 4,575 4,575 4,549
District Court Services 26,743 26,743 26,063
Senior Courts Services 11,033 11,033 10,963
Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services 8,674 8,674 8,637
Components of the Appropriation
  2018/19 2019/20
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000

Departmental

     

Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services

     
Collection and Enforcement of Fines 46,215 46,215 48,590
Collection and Enforcement of Civil Debt 9,559 9,559 10,050
Total 55,774 55,774 58,640

District Court Services

     
Criminal Court 176,935 176,935 191,501
Family Court 61,764 61,764 72,659
Civil Court 17,360 17,360 17,005
Total 256,059 256,059 281,165

Senior Court Services

     
High Court - Criminal 30,745 30,745 31,029
High Court - Civil 23,670 23,670 23,889
Supreme Court - Criminal 7,084 7,084 7,150
Supreme Court - Civil 7,011 7,011 7,076
Court of Appeal - Criminal 3,329 3,329 3,359
Court of Appeal - Civil 3,048 3,048 3,076
Total 74,887 74,887 75,579

Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services

     
Maori Land Court and Maori Land Information 26,059 26,059 26,228
Other Tribunals and Authorities 17,177 17,177 17,826
Waitangi Tribunal Services 10,522 10,522 10,896
Disputes Tribunal 9,484 9,484 9,820
Coroner Services 8,692 8,692 9,000
Environment Court 6,842 6,842 7,085
Tenancy Tribunal 6,150 6,150 6,368
Employment Court 2,112 2,112 2,188
Total 87,038 87,038 89,411

Grand Total

473,758 473,758 504,795
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
  2018/19 2019/20
Assessment of Performance Final Budgeted
Standard		 Estimated
Actual		 Budget
Standard

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

 80% 80% 80%

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

 90% 91% 90%

Percentage of Criminal Trials - category 3 and 4 resolved within 12 months

 90% 86% 90%

Note 1 - Biennial survey. Last survey was completed in 2017/18.

What is Intended to be Achieved with each Category and How Performance will be Assessed
  2018/19 2019/20
Assessment of Performance 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

 $157 million to $177 million $185 million $165 million to $185 million

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

 84% 80% 80%

Percentage of all civil enforcement application types processed in 3 days or less

 90% 94% 90%

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

 85% 74% 75%

Percentage of debt that is under arrangement

 43% 41% 43%

Average speed to answer calls to Fines Contact Centre (mm:ss)

 New measure New measure 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 District Court Family - Care of Children Act applications resolved within 12 months

 80% 74% 75%

Percentage of category 2 cases resolved within 3 months

 75% 72% 70%

Number of District Court criminal cases (including youth) disposed

 123,000-138,000 126,500 110,000-130,000

Number of civil cases disposed

 16,000-19,000 16,500 16,000-19,000

Number of Family Court substantive applications disposed

 44,000-51,000 61,200 55,000-69,000

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

 23,000-25,000 31,375 23,000-25,000

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

 85% 84% 85%

Number of victims supported by Sexual Violence Court Victims advisors

 1,800-2,000 1,280 1,100-1,400

Average speed to answer calls to 0800 Courts (mm:ss)

 New measure New measure 01:30

Dissolution of marriage applications processed within 6 days

 New measure New measure 90%

Applications to commence civil proceedings processed within 6 days

 New measure New measure 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

 130-260 130 70-200

Number of Court of Appeal civil and criminal appeals disposed

 590-750 632 570-730

Number of High Court civil and criminal appeals disposed

 1,300-1,600 1,343 1,200 - 1,500

Number of High Court civil and criminal cases disposed

 2,200-2,800 2,316 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 (ACC DCR)
      

ACC DCR case disposal rate (number of cases disposed/number of cases received)

 100% 82% 85%
Alcohol Regulatory Licensing Authority
      

Percentage of appeals and enforcements resolved within 6 months

 75% 70% 75%
Coronial Services Unit
      

Percentage of coronial cases on hand under 12 months old

 70% 54% 60%

Number of coronial cases disposed

 3,100-3,300 2,676 3,100-3,300
Disputes Tribunal
      

Number of Disputes Tribunal claims disposed

 12,800-14,000 11,600 12,800-14,000

Percentage of Disputes Tribunal claims disposed within 3 months

 75% 68% 75%

Disputes Tribunal applications processed within 6 days

 New measure New measure 85%
Employment Court
      

Number of Employment Court cases disposed

 150-180 180 150-180

Percentage of Employment Court cases on hand under 12 months old

 75% 75% 75%
Environment Court
      

Number of Environment Court cases disposed

 250-350 500 350-500

Percentage of Environment Court cases on hand under 18 months old

 75% 78% 75%
Human Rights Review Tribunal
      

Human Rights Review Tribunal case disposal rate (number of cases disposed/number of cases received)

 80% 134% 80%
Immigration and Protection Tribunal
      

Immigration and Protection Tribunal case disposal rate (number of cases disposed/number of cases received)

 80% 100% 90%
Legal Complaints Review Officer
      

Legal Complaints Review Officer case disposal rate (number of cases disposed/number of cases received)

 100% 161% 100%
Maori Land Court
      

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

 80% 82% 80%

Number of Maori Land Court and Maori Appellate Court applications disposed

 5,700-5,900 5,700 5,700-5,900
Tenancy Tribunal
      

Number of Tenancy Tribunal applications resolved

 18,300-20,200 18,300-20,200 18,300-20,200
Waitangi Tribunal
      

Percentage of new claims processed within 30 days of receipt

 90% 90% 90%

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

 90% 90% 90%

Percentage of drafts completed within the timeframe set by the Tribunal panel and meets the Chief Historian's standard

 New measure New measure 90%

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

 New measure New measure 5-10
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		 2018/19
Final Budgeted
$000		 2019/20
Budget
$000		 2020/21
Estimated
$000		 2021/22
Estimated
$000		 2022/23
Estimated
$000

Collection and Enforcement of Fines and Civil Debts Services

           

Current Government

           
Enhancing Court Security 2019/20 - 162 162 162 162
Improving Base Pay of Ministry of Justice Employees 2018/19 797 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
Ministry of Justice - Additional Investment 2018/19 622 1,465 1,994 2,239 2,239

Previous Government

           
Investing in Policing - Safe, Confident and Resilient Communities 2017/18 900 1,800 2,000 2,000 2,000
Share of Costs for Budget 2015 Whole-of-Government Initiatives 2015/16 (80) (80) (80) (80) (80)
Managing Ministry of Justice High Priority Initiatives 2015/16 122 122 122 122 122

District Court Services

           

Current Government

           
Improving the Justice Response to Sexual Violence Victims 2019/20 - 488 1,085 1,731 1,807
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
Alleviating Depreciation Cost Pressure in the Justice System Due to Revaluation of Property 2019/20 - 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
Improving Base Pay of Ministry of Justice Employees 2018/19 2,031 6,378 6,378 6,378 6,378
Ministry of Justice - Additional Investment 2018/19 2,806 6,609 8,994 10,101 10,101
Youth Justice - Including 17 Year Olds in the Youth Justice System and Managing Remand Pressures 2018/19 124 108 34 63 63

Previous Government

           
Investing in Policing - Safe, Confident and Resilient Communities 2017/18 3,000 6,000 11,000 11,000 11,000
Review of Family Violence Legislation 2017/18 4,115 4,719 5,616 5,616 5,616
Justice Sector Fund - Alcohol and Other Drug Treatments Courts 2017/18 210 - - - -
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 12,612 12,712 12,712 12,712 12,712
Share of Costs for Budget 2015 Whole-of-Government Initiatives 2015/16 (270) (270) (270) (270) (270)
Managing Ministry of Justice High Priority Initiatives 2015/16 849 849 849 849 849

Senior Courts Services

           

Current Government

           
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
Improving Base Pay of Ministry of Justice Employees 2018/19 475 1,491 1,491 1,491 1,491
Ministry of Justice - Additional Investment 2018/19 784 1,845 2,512 2,820 2,820

Previous Government

           
Dunedin Courthouse - Capital Charge and Depreciation 2016/17 133 133 133 133 133
Share of Costs for Budget 2015 Whole-of-Government Initiatives 2015/16 (90) (90) (90) (90) (90)
Managing Ministry of Justice High Priority Initiatives 2015/16 137 137 137 137 137

Specialist Courts, Tribunals and Other Authorities Services

           

Current Government

           
Enhancing Court Security 2019/20 - 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
Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal 2019/20 - 1,127 - - -
Improving Base Pay of Ministry of Justice Employees 2018/19 819 2,569 2,569 2,569 2,569
Drawdown from the Whenua Maori Reform Contingency 2018/19 590 - - - -
Ministry of Justice - Additional Investment 2018/19 912 2,148 2,923 3,282 3,282
Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal 2018/19 1,830 - - - -

Previous Government

           
Dunedin Courthouse - Capital Charge and Depreciation 2016/17 149 149 149 149 149
Share of Costs for Budget 2015 Whole-of-Government Initiatives 2015/16 (110) (110) (110) (110) (110)
Managing Ministry of Justice High Priority Initiatives 2015/16 167 167 167 167 167
Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The increase in this appropriation for 2019/20 of $31.037 million is mainly due to:

  • an increase of $8.816 million to improve the base pay of Ministry of Justice employees
  • an increase of $8.100 million to enhance court security across New Zealand
  • an increase of $6.943 million to maintain the capacity and capability of the Justice system to meet the ongoing demand for services
  • an increase of $3.900 million for work with joint agencies on the Safe, Confident and Resilient Communities: Investing in Policing initiative, and
  • an increase of $3.626 million to support the appointment of additional District Court Judges.
Memorandum Accounts
  2018/19 2019/20
  Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000

Second Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers

     
Opening Balance at 1 July 541 541 540
Revenue 191 191 191
Expenses (192) (192) (192)
Transfers and Adjustments 0 0 0

Closing Balance at 30 June

540 540 539

Legal Complaints Review Officers

     
Opening Balance at 1 July 154 154 391
Revenue 1,954 1,954 1,954
Expenses (1,717) (1,717) (1,717)
Transfers and Adjustments 0 0 0

Closing Balance at 30 June

391 391 628