About the Ministry

We're the lead agency in the justice sector and the lead agency on Crown/Māori Relations for the government. We work towards a safe and just New Zealand. To do this we administer the court system, the legal aid system and the Public Defence Service. We collect and enforce fines and civil debts. We also negotiate the settlement of historical Treaty of Waitangi claims against the Crown and ensure that settlements remain durable. We provide policy advice on matters related to justice and the administration of the law, and on Crown/Māori Relations.