Name suppression more likely in SC

People are more likely to be granted permanent name suppression in Timaru and Oamaru courts than most other district courts around the country.

Figures released by the Ministry of Justice show the Oamaru District Court had the second highest percentage of defendants granted permanent name suppression in the 2015/16 year in New Zealand.

The Timaru District Court also made the top 10, coming in at the ninth most likely to grant name suppression out of 60 district courts.

South Island courts accounted for nine of the top 10 courts,with Masterton the lone North Island court represented.

A total of 2.81 per cent of all cases in the Oamaru District Court resulted in permanent name suppression.

That was behind Blenheim, which topped the list with 2.85 per cent.

The number of defendants granted permanent name suppression across the country has increased from 300 to 323 since the 2013/14 year.

The figures have sparked a call for tougher legislation from Sensible Sentencing Trust (SST) founder Garth McVicar.

McVicar, a vocal campaigner against name suppression, said new legislation was needed to reduce what he described as an ‘‘inconsistent’’ approach by judges.

‘‘There are some very liberal judges and that filters through to the courts as well. ‘‘That’s a concern we’ve had.’’ If he had his way, it would become an election issue.

The judiciary was ‘‘very antimandatory legislation’’, as it reduced their ability to use their discretion, he said.

However, justice needed to be open and honest, and that was not currently the case, he said.

Justice Minister Amy Adams said the number of defendants gaining permanent name suppression had dropped significantly.

‘‘New Zealanders made it clear they thought too many people were getting permanent name suppression. At the same time there are legitimate circumstances where a defendant’s name needs to be suppressed such as to protect the victims or ensure a fair trial.

‘‘The law as it is now framed appears to be striking a better balance between the interests of the parties involved and the public’s right to know.’’

Labour’s Justice Spokeswoman Jacinda Ardern said work needed to be done to determine if name suppression was being used appropriately, and if there were inconsistencies.

‘‘I’d be interested in more of a breakdown of the numbers,’’ Ardern said.