The Budget has allocated $40.2 million over the next four years and $2.1 million capital for investment in anti-money laundering initiatives.

It’s part of a $2 billion total investment in law and order.

There will also be $11.9 million over two years for additional security personnel across the court system.

Other key initiatives include:

• $1.4 million of operating funding over the next four years and $840,000 capital to provide the Serious Fraud Office with an integrated case and evidence management system to enable better analysis and management of complex evidence and data.
• $51.6 million over four years to better manage offenders serving sentences and orders in the community, and to support the judiciary and Parole Board to make informed risk-based sentencing and parole decisions.
• $5.5 million over two years to continue the Iwi/Community Panels pilot.
• $13.9 million over four years to reduce reoffending, targeted at high risk young offenders.
• $30.2 million over four years to improve the way prisoners at risk of self-harm and suicide are managed in prison, and to increase access to industry, treatment and learning interventions.

The $2 billion investment comprises $1.24 billion of new operating funding over four years and $785.6 million of capital funding.

“Budget 2017 provides an additional $1.52 billion to enable the justice sector to improve services and further reduce the impact on crime on New Zealanders,” the Justice and Courts Minister Amy Adams says.

“This funding underpins the Government’s focus on preventing crime, reducing reoffending and better supporting victims. It includes $145.8 million of operating funding over four years and $20.2 million in 2016/17 to enable Justice and Courts to provide an enhanced level of service to deliver better outcomes for our growing population.”

Pay equity boost

The Budget also allocated $8.7m for pay equity and Holidays Act initiatives over four years for initiatives to support pay equity dispute resolution and Holidays Act compliance.

“The Government is committed to achieving pay equity in New Zealand and ensuring we have the resources to settle pay equity claims in a timely manner,” Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse says.

“$5.3 million towards pay equity dispute resolution will provide for the adequate resourcing of mediation services for pay equity issues.

“Prompt and effective mediation for pay equity cases will benefit employers and employees by reducing time and costs associated with protracted employment disputes, leading to more productive employment relationships.

“Budget 2017 also supports the effective delivery of the Holidays Act compliance strategy by providing $3.4 million to the Labour Inspectorate,” Mr Woodhouse says.  

Māori Land Service to support land owners

Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell says $31 million of funding will be dedicated to establish phase one of the Māori Land Service.

“The Māori Land Service will usher in a new era for Māori landowners getting the support and advice they need, in order to achieve the collective aspirations they have for their own whenua,” Mr Flavell says.

The Māori Land Service will provide core services for Māori land owners. It will hold the Māori Land Registry, provide dispute and mediation services, support owner decision-making by providing governance and training, as well as providing Māori land owners with advice and support on development options.