Court Satisfaction Hits New High as Backlogs Drop and Reforms Take Hold

Courts Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed the findings, which reveal the highest satisfaction levels recorded since 2019, and a series of notable gains across the country’s court system.

New Zealand’s justice system is seeing measurable improvements in efficiency, user satisfaction, and safety, according to the results of the 2025 Court User Survey released this week. Courts Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed the findings, which reveal the highest satisfaction levels recorded since 2019, and a series of notable gains across the country’s court system.

Record-High Satisfaction: 82% of Court Users Pleased with Experience

This year’s survey showed that 82% of court users were satisfied with their experience — a significant increase from 76% in 2023. The results mark the highest satisfaction rate since the survey was first introduced in its current form, reflecting widespread improvements across multiple areas of the court system.

“Going to court can be a stressful experience, so it’s heartening to see such positive feedback,” said Minister McKee. “These results are a testament to the dedication of our court staff and judges across the country.”

McKee noted that the findings reinforce the Government’s broader strategy to "fix what matters" in public services, with justice reform forming a central part of that mission.

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Progress in Case Backlogs and Timeliness

In addition to improved user sentiment, the Ministry of Justice has achieved substantial reductions in case backlogs—a long-standing challenge that was further exacerbated by COVID-19 disruptions in previous years. Key achievements include:

• A 20% reduction in the District Court criminal case backlog since April 2023.

• A 20% drop in active civil cases in the District Court in the year to July 2025.

• A 36% decrease in the average age of active civil cases, indicating faster case turnover.

• The Disputes Tribunal completed over 900 additional cases compared to the previous year, with a 21% reduction in aged cases.

• The Coroners Court reduced its active caseload by 15%, thanks to the introduction of associate coroners, clinical advisors, and relief coroners.

“These improvements mean victims, families, and businesses are getting faster justice and closure, rather than being stuck in drawn-out proceedings,” said McKee.

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Safety in Courthouses: Overwhelmingly Positive Perceptions

The 2025 survey also assessed perceptions of safety in and around court buildings, a critical factor in maintaining public trust in the justice system.

• 91% of respondents said they felt safe or very safe entering the courthouse.

• 95% felt safe inside courtrooms.

• 89% reported feeling safe while giving evidence.

“Safety is fundamental to public trust in the justice system. Without it, justice simply cannot be delivered,” McKee emphasised.

However, she acknowledged that safety concerns persist for a small subset of court users. 17% of respondents who felt unsafe said it was due to being in close proximity to the other party or their supporters. To address this, the Government is continuing to expand the use of audio-visual links (AVL) to allow parties to appear remotely, reducing in-person confrontations and improving efficiency.

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Looking Ahead: More Reforms on the Way

Minister McKee outlined further initiatives aimed at delivering a more accessible and modern court system, including:

• The rollout of a new digital caseflow management system in 2026, designed to streamline scheduling, document handling, and communications.

• An expanded role for community magistrates, enabling simpler cases to be heard faster and with fewer delays.

• Continued investment in courtroom technology, remote access, and victim support services to ensure all New Zealanders can engage with the justice system in a safe and timely manner.

“These improvements are not the end goal, but part of a continuing journey to modernise our courts and ensure justice is fair, timely, and accessible to all,” McKee said.

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With satisfaction levels rising, delays decreasing, and new technologies poised to transform court operations further, New Zealand’s justice system appears to be entering a period of renewed effectiveness. The Government has pledged to keep momentum going and to maintain its focus on delivering real improvements where they matter most: to the people using the system.