Justice system under considerable stress, says Chief Justice

Wednesday 3 September 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Wed 3 Sep 2025, 4:01pm

In this story High Court

Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann has reported that the New Zealand justice system is facing significant strain. Her annual report highlights shortages of judges and courtrooms, alongside an increase in complex murder and manslaughter cases. Criminal trials are also becoming longer, now averaging 17 days.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldWed 3 Sep 2025, 2:00pm

   Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann: Justice system under ‘considerable stress’ (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsWed 3 Sep 2025, 2:00pm

   More murder trials putting pressure on courts, Chief Justice says (opens in new tab)

3. RNZWed 3 Sep 2025, 2:02pm

   Justice system under considerable stress, Chief Justice says (opens in new tab)

4. StuffWed 3 Sep 2025, 4:01pm

   New Zealand justice system under ‘considerable stress’ - Chief Justice (opens in new tab)