“This is a proposal driven by cost-cutting, not by any genuine plan to improve services for New Zealanders who use these tribunals,” PSA organiser Duane Leo told the Herald.
“Our members at Auckland District Court have deep specialist knowledge built up over years.
“Shifting them to Ellerslie and away from the court means losing direct access to judges, to physical files, and to the people who walk through the door needing help.”
He said a suggested “consultation period” for staff was shambolic.
“Staff have been given just three weeks to respond to a 40-page restructure proposal that fundamentally changes how these tribunals operate. That is not genuine consultation.
“The ministry’s own digital systems are years away from being ready. Moving staff away from physical files before digitisation is complete is a recipe for delays, errors and worse outcomes for the public.”
Leo said elderly and vulnerable court users relied on face-to-face specialist help at the counter and would be left without it if the proposal went ahead.
“That is not an improvement in service delivery,” he said.
“Workers are also facing longer commutes with no permanent travel support offered. The ministry has not even provided basic information about parking or disability access at the new site.”
The proposal was being pushed without any respect for the professionals or consideration for access to justice, he said.
“Once again, we see a government agency cutting corners to meet budget targets set by the Government, with no proper thought given to the impact on the people who rely on these services.”
A proposal suggested the “incumbents” whose jobs were disestablished would be reassigned to new national registry officer positions.
Those positions would report to a proposed “team manager centralised services (Auckland)” position within the Central Registry Services.
The Tāmaki Makaurau Māori Land Court already exists at Ellerslie. It is 100m from the train station.
Former Criminal Bar Association president Gary Gotlieb said if the Ellerslie site had good parking and other facilities, then as “Devil’s advocate” he could understand why a case for change was being made.
A proposal to move Auckland District Court years ago was abandoned after backlash from the legal profession, he said.
Ministry of Justice chief operating officer Carl Crafar said many Disputes Tribunal and Tenancy Tribunal cases were managed remotely.
“Ellerslie has been identified as a suitable tribunal location as it is equipped to support national, digitally-enabled services, and meets the ministry’s accessibility standards,” he said.
“The site has spacious office accommodation, including meeting room spaces for training, coaching and team meetings.”
Crafar said the proposal aimed to deliver more nationally consistent services and improved workflow, and to build greater resilience, enabling demand peaks to be managed better.
“While the proposed change could create some cost savings, these are not the driver for the change.”
He said referees and not judges oversaw tribunal hearings.
“The Tenancy Tribunal already operates using a digital case management system, while the Disputes Tribunal is currently transitioning to electronic case management.”
Crafar said those moves were being carefully managed to ensure current service levels were maintained before a fully digital system.
“A change in office location within what is classified as the same local area is proposed for 21 staff.”
He said if the proposal went ahead, support would be provided in line with the terms and conditions outlined in the collective employment agreement as negotiated with the PSA.
“The scale and complexity of the proposal was considered when settling on a three‑week consultation period,“ he said.
“I encourage staff to provide feedback on the proposal.”
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