The Criminal Law Committee of The Law Association of New Zealand warmly invites criminal practitioners across Auckland, North Shore, and Waitakere to attend a forum with the judiciary on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, from 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm – Auckland District Court Jury assembly room.

Criminal practitioners across Auckland, North Shore and Waitākere have been invited to take part in a rare, in-person forum with the judiciary to discuss courtroom practice, process and the sustainability of criminal law practice. 

The forum, to be held on Tuesday 10 February, follows a letter from the Criminal Law Committee of The Law Association of New Zealand to the Chief District Court Judge raising concerns about the day-to-day realities of criminal practice. 

Those concerns included continuity of representation, transparency in decision-making, compliance with statutory frameworks and natural justice, and the growing pressure current practices place on practitioner wellbeing, particularly for junior counsel and those working in the Legal Aid system. 

In response, the Chief Judge has arranged a dedicated forum to allow direct, constructive engagement between the judiciary and the profession. 

Julie-Anne Kincade KC, convenor of the Law Association’s Criminal Law Committee, said the forum was an important opportunity for practitioners to speak candidly about how court processes are working in practice. 

“This forum creates space for an open and respectful conversation about what criminal practitioners are experiencing on the ground, and how courtroom processes affect the quality, fairness and sustainability of criminal practice,” she said. 

The discussion is expected to focus on the practical operation of criminal courts, including how current working arrangements are impacting professional effectiveness, retention and wellbeing across the bar. 

Kincade said opportunities for this level of engagement with the judiciary are uncommon. 

“It is not often that the judiciary actively invites the profession to be heard in this way. That willingness to listen matters, and it reflects a shared interest in ensuring the criminal justice system functions well for everyone involved,” she said. 

To support attendance, Auckland courts will adjourn at 3.00pm on the day, while North Shore and Waitākere courts will sit only until lunchtime to allow practitioners time to travel. 

The forum will be held in the Jury Assembly Room, with light refreshments provided following the discussion. 

Practitioners at all stages of their careers are encouraged to attend, including senior members of the bar, junior counsel and Legal Aid providers. The forum is intended to be inclusive, with a wide range of perspectives welcomed.