Kaia¯ rahi created for Family Court
Newly established role designed to help wha¯ nau navigate legal system
The Family Court is the forum where people can seek help with issues touching on all stages of life, often in times of distress, crisis and conflict. In New Zealand, more than 60,000 applications are lodged in the Family Court each year, encapsulating a range of issues and problems affecting wha¯ nau in New Zealand.
The role of your legal representative in the Family Court is to advocate for you. People often engage a lawyer for a variety of reasons including helping them navigate the complex legal system and to provide expert advice. In addition to legal representation, there are a number of other supports that can complement the support you receive, such as the newly established kaia¯ rahi role.
The kaia¯ rahi, or Family Court
Navigator, is a newly established role which aims to improve justice outcomes for wha¯ nau engaging with the Family Court. The issues that bring wha¯ nau into contact with the Family Court are often interconnected and the kaia¯ rahi is wellplaced to connect you to the community services that can support you, such as counselling, parenting education services and other social services specific to the local area. Whilst the kaia¯ rahi is not a substitute for quality legal advice, they can provide useful information about the Family Court system, processes and etiquette. This service is voluntary and acts as a bridge between community and the Ministry of Justice.
There are 50 kaia¯ rahi nationwide, and serving the Horowhenua area is Merv Ransom. You can contact your local Family Court Kaia¯ rahi, Merv, or get further information about the support the kaia¯ rahi can provide, in the following ways:
1. Ask at the main counter (customer services) at the courthouse
2. 0800 COURTS (0800 268 787) — Kaia¯ rahi@justice.govt.nz (Mervyn. Taueki-Ransom@justice.govt.nz)
3. A support person or professional you are working with can contact the kaia¯ rahi on your behalf.