New alcohol and drug court opens in Hamilton

The Government has opened a new drug court in Hamilton following the success of two trial courts in Auckland.

Minister of Justice Kris Faafoi and Minister for Courts Aupito William Sio opened the new Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment (AODT) Court in a ceremony at Hukanui Marae near Hamilton on Saturday.

The court addresses situations where substance abuse and offending are intertwined.

‘‘New Zealanders have told us they want a justice system that treats people with dignity and enables wellbeing,’’ Sio said. ‘‘The abuse of drugs and alcohol causes great harm to our society. The AODT Court aims to break the cycle of offending by addressing the reasons behind it.’’

AODT Courts established in central Auckland and Waita¯ kere, West Auckland, have proven successful in reducing alcohol and drug use, reoffending and imprisonment.

At the opening in Hamilton there were numerous judges and lawyers who have worked in the Auckland courts showing their support, as well as participants from the Auckland programmes.

Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu said it was not an easy ask to get the AODT

Courts to this point. ‘‘At the time [when first created] it was considered so revolutionary it was described as a weird, unusual court. It is now seen as best practice.’’

In 2019, an evaluation found that within two years after graduating from the court, participants were less likely to offend, less likely to be in prison, and less likely to be involved with the police.

Where subsequent offending happened, it was likely to be less serious.

Sio noted that in 2020 Chief District Court Judge Taumaunu announced his vision – Te Ao Ma¯ rama – which promotes weaving the best elements of specialist courts into District Courts. ‘‘This vision promotes incorporating Ma¯ ori values and a more multicultural approach across the justice sector – which better reflects our nation.’’

Sio said often those who commit crimes have also been victims themselves.

‘‘[It] traps them in behaviour that damages themselves and others.’’

He said the AODT Courts aimed to break that cycle.

‘‘This court builds on the two pilots to create what we hope will be a robust and effective source of rehabilitation and recovery for those whose substance abuse is leading to crime,’’ Faafoi said. ‘‘Initiatives like this are a large piece in the puzzle that is justice system reform.

‘‘The AODT Court provides a pathway which includes intensive monitoring, case management, drug testing, and mentoring,’’ Faafoi said.

Sentencing is deferred while participants work through the programme, including regular court appearances, to check their progress.

The court will be based at the Hamilton District Court in an existing courtroom, which is being refurbished for the purpose.