The group has been reviewing the operation of the powers and has developed the best practice guidelines with the aim to reinforce consistency while recognising the flexibility required for local situations. The guidelines encourage Registrars to exercise their powers with a focus on the progression of cases, reducing administrative cases before judges and reducing attendance at court wherever possible. In their review of the use of powers, the Quality Assurance Group highlighted several operational procedures which varied between courts and which the guidelines are intended to address. The guidelines have now been finalised after consultation with the NZLS Criminal Law Committee and other interested groups. The extension of the powers and the development of the guidelines provide the opportunity for Registrars, in conjunction with their judges, practitioners and police to look at ways to improve the operation of the powers.
Practitioners can expect to be contacted by their court about such arrangements.