The New Zealand Law Society’s Board has approved the Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki/Ministry for Children (or his/her appropriately authorised delegate/nominee) as an approved “body, officer, or person” for direct instruction of barristers for the purposes of rules 14.5.1(h) and 14.6 of the Conduct and Client Care Rules.  

The Board granted the approval on the basis that the approval is for the appointment of youth advocates only and the appointments are made from the Youth Advocates lists maintained by the Court Services Manager of each Youth Court (made following the Appointment and Review Procedure for Youth Advocates issued by the Principal Youth Court Judge) and on the same basis as current Youth Advocate appointments made by the Youth Court.

Barristers may accept direct instructions from approved bodies, officers and persons.  The Law Society may, after consultation with the New Zealand Bar Association, publish a list of approved bodies, officers, and persons for the purposes of rules 14.5.1(h) and 14.6, together with any restrictions, terms or conditions which may be applicable.