376 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice

376 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice: Does the Minister agree with the statement in the Briefing to the Incoming Minister that "A complex range of factors affect imprisonment rates. These factors arise within a wider context of social and economic structures and systems that have marginalised and disadvantaged Māori over time. We will not see the shifts we are seeking to decrease crime and make New Zealand a safer place without investing further in improving justice outcomes for Māori in the long term"; if so, does he consider that defunding section 27 reports will assist in improving justice outcomes for Māori in the long term, and in what way?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: I am provided with a vast amount of advice. I do not necessarily agree with all advice, but it is factored into my decision-making. Removing government funding of section 27 reports restores section 27 to its original intention, instead of benefiting an unregulated report writing industry with no apparent benefits to victims of crime.