National Civil Justice Observatory: Wayfinding for Civil Justice
The National Civil Justice Observatory is a new initiative hosted by the University of Otago to improve access to civil justice through collaboration and shared learning.
About the project
The National Civil Justice Observatory (the Observatory) is a newly established national initiative to improve access to civil justice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Observatory is a key component of the Wayfinding for Civil Justice National Strategy – a stakeholder-led framework designed to coordinate and strengthen efforts to deliver equitable access to civil justice.
Hosted by the Civil Justice Centre at the University of Otago’s Faculty of Law, the Observatory will act as a backbone organisation and network, bringing together government and non-government organisations working to facilitate and improve access to justice. It will foster structured collaboration among diverse stakeholders to ensure ongoing momentum in civil justice work.
The Observatory will:
- Facilitate connections between stakeholders working in civil justice.
- Provide a platform for stakeholders to share free and frank insights on challenges and structural issues within the civil justice system.
- Channel feedback to relevant bodies, including government agencies.
- Maintain an up-to-date database of current and planned civil justice initiatives, and evaluative and evidence-based information for future planning.
- Produce a public annual report to track progress against Wayfinding goals, celebrate achievements, identify gaps and emerging issues, and make recommendations.
By improving coordination and information-sharing in the sector, the Observatory aims to ensure better responses to civil justice issues—legal problems such as family, housing, and employment disputes that impact one in three people in Aotearoa each year.
Grant amount
$153,500 for work in 2025
About the project lead
Associate Professor Bridgette Toy-Cronin will lead the establishment of the Observatory. Bridgette is based at the Faculty of Law, University of Otago, and is the incoming Dean of Law. She is an experienced civil justice researcher with a long-standing focus on access to justice and the operation of the civil justice system.
Bridgette has led significant research projects on unmet legal need, access to civil justice, and barriers within the justice system. Through her leadership, the Observatory will be built on strong relationships across the justice sector, and a commitment to collaboration and evidence-based action.
Contact
National Civil Justice Observatory
ncjo@otago.ac.nz