District Court Criminal Backlog Falls 22% in Largest Reduction on Record

Courts Minister Nicole McKee is welcoming the largest ever reduction in the District Court's criminal backlog, with a 22 percent drop over the past year — the equivalent of 1,562 fewer cases waiting to be heard.

The milestone is being described as a major step forward for victims, communities and the delivery of timely justice across New Zealand.

"The Government's focus on fixing what matters is working for victims," Mrs McKee said.

1,562 Fewer Cases Waiting for Court

New figures show a significant improvement in backlog volumes nationwide.

• December 2024 backlog: 7,133 cases

• December 2025 backlog: 5,571 cases

That reduction means 1,562 fewer victims are waiting for their day in court.

"This means at least 1,562 fewer victims waiting for their day in court to see justice delivered," Mrs McKee said.

Whole-of-Sector Effort Driving Results

Mrs McKee said the turnaround reflects coordinated work across the justice system, with collaboration between the judiciary, court staff, legal professionals and frontline agencies.

"The turnaround reflects a whole-of-justice-sector effort, including collaboration between the judiciary, court staff, the legal profession, and agencies such as police and corrections," she said.

"I want to thank everyone across the sector who has worked hard to achieve this result."

The Minister said the improvements demonstrate the growing impact of justice sector timeliness initiatives, first introduced in Auckland metro courts and now delivering national gains.

Practical Changes Improving Court Timeliness

Key operational reforms have helped drive the record reduction, including:

• Judiciary-led changes to rostering and scheduling

• Prioritising judicial resources in courts with the largest backlogs

• Better trial preparedness by parties

• Fewer unnecessary adjournments

• Stronger performance reporting and accountability

"Key improvements include changes led by the judiciary to rostering and scheduling," Mrs McKee said.

"We are also seeing better trial preparedness by parties and fewer unnecessary adjournments."

Family Court Backlog Also Improving

Progress is also being made in the Family Court, with a 9 percent decrease in backlog over the same period — equivalent to around 850 fewer applications waiting to be resolved.

"The Family Court backlog has also improved, with a 9 percent decrease in the same period," Mrs McKee said.

Legislative Reforms to Further Speed Up Justice

Mrs McKee said upcoming legislative changes will build on current progress and support even faster court processes, including:

• Expanding the powers and number of Community Magistrates

• Encouraging greater use of remote participation

• Improving jury selection processes

"Upcoming legislative reform will further support faster justice," she said.

Faster Justice Matters Most for Victims

Mrs McKee said the true measure of success is the impact on victims, for whom delays can cause ongoing trauma and uncertainty.

"Delivering the largest ever reduction in the criminal backlog is a significant milestone, but the real measure of success is what it means for victims," she said.

"For victims, delays can mean prolonged stress, uncertainty, and trauma. Fixing what matters means reducing that wait and restoring confidence that the system will respond promptly when harm is done."