5 Nov 2018

Plea for submissions on proposed Family Court reform

5:10 pm on 5 November 2018

More people are being urged to voice their thoughts about the proposed Family Court reforms before submissions close on Friday.

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An independent panel is examining the controversial changes made to the family court in 2014. Photo: 123rf

Only 120 submissions have been made online since an independent panel was set up to examine the controversial changes to the court made in 2014.

More than 180 groups and individuals have taken part in the panel's consultation hui around the country, but chairwoman Rosslyn Noonan said they want to hear from more Māori, Pasifika and minority groups who have used the family justice system.

Ms Noonan said they were looking at changes made to services available to separating parents, who needed to arrange care for their children.

"We want to encourage as many people and organisations as possible to share their experiences and views of the Family Court and the out-of-court services, such as family dispute resolution," she said.

"It is important that the panel hears from parents, guardians and whānau that use or have used the family justice system. It is only with their input that we can truly understand the impact of the 2014 reforms."

The panel will report their findings to Minister of Justice Andrew Little in May next year.

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