Minister of Justice
Pānui Pāpāho
Media Statement
27 June 2019
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Justice Minister Andrew Little have announced last year’s significant increase to
Community Law Centres’ funding has been made permanent in the Wellbeing Budget. This was the first increase since the
previous National Government froze core funding seven years ago.
“Community Law Centres play a vital role in ensuring access to justice for all New Zealanders, and especially for people
on low incomes. That’s why the Wellbeing Budget secures the future of Community Law Centres’,” Prime Minister Jacinda
Ardern said.
“Demand for Community Law Centres’ services has been growing. The 24 centres and their lawyers provide outreach from 120
locations, complete up to 50,000 cases each year, and provide law-related education to around 25,000 people annually,”
Justice Minister Andrew Little said.
“These services are crucial to ensuring New Zealanders receive what they are legally entitled to, and that their legal
rights are upheld.
“The Labour-New Zealand First Coalition Agreement committed to increased funding for Community Law Centres, and this is
the second year in a row where we have delivered on that commitment,” Andrew Little said.
Last year the Coalition Government boosted core Community Law Centres funding by $2.2 million - a 20% increase.
Today’s announcement locks in further funding of $8.72 million over the next four years, bringing the total annual
funding to Community Law Centres to $13.26 million.
ends