Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice (Māori: Te Tāhū o te Ture) is an executive department of the New Zealand Government, responsible for supporting the judiciary and the administration of justice within New Zealand. It develops justice policy and provides advice to ministers, Cabinet, and other justice sector agencies. Its main functions are to help reduce crime and build safer communities; increase trust in the justice system; and maintain the integrity of New Zealand's constitutional arrangements.
The Ministry also administers the court system, the legal aid system and the Public Defence Service; it provides policy advice to the Minister of Justice; assists with the negotiation of Treaty of Waitangi claims; and the running of parliamentary elections.