Surges in demand and difficulty retaining good lawyers have left the legal aid system facing a number of challenges, a review has found.
The Legal Aid Review, headed by Dame Margaret Bazley, was announced by Justice Minister Simon Power earlier this year.
Its public discussion paper released today showed demand for legal aid increased 23 percent between 2003 and 2008, with grants for criminal cases rising 51 percent between 2003 and 2009.
Individual cases were also becoming more expensive with the top 100 cases receiving 100 times the value of an average grant.
The discussion paper also identified problems attracting and retaining experienced lawyers in the legal aid scheme, including pay rates and the administrative burden associated with it.
"Long-standing inefficiencies" in pre-trial criminal procedure, which led to delays in the courts, were also putting a strain on the legal aid system, the paper said.
Mr Power said the review was aimed at finding a system that was structured "so it delivers effective services to those who need them most in a way that it cost-effective and sustainable".
"This review has the potential to improve the lives of the people who come into contact with the justice system, and give taxpayers real confidence that they're getting good value for money from legal aid expenditure."
The discussion paper is open to public submissions until October 9 and a final report was expected to be finished by November.
NZPA
Simon Power speaks to RadioLIVE.