Our strategic framework:

Wayfinding for Civil Justice

 “Wayfinders go beyond the known, and journey on voyages of discovery to new horizons. Central to the wayfinding approach is seeing what is really going on—discerning the detail and seeing the whole. The wayfinder has a deep understanding of themselves, their crew, their waka, and the environment.”

— Chellie Spiller, Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr, John Panoho

Wayfinding for Civil Justice is the strategic framework that guides the work of the NCJO. Developed through a series of hui, discussions, feedback sessions, and written submissions, it reflects a shared commitment to improve access to civil justice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Waypoints

Wayfinding lays out the agreed waypoints (goals) that all stakeholders in the civil justice system are working to reach:

  1. Legal assistance is accessible, appropriate, and integrated.

  2. Providers of legal assistance understand and serve the needs of their communities.

  3. Dispute resolution—from initiation to enforcement—is accessible and equitable.

  4. There is knowledge about the system to ensure we can monitor, evaluate, and improve.

The destination is a place where people are equipped and enabled to solve civil justice problems.

To ensure this work does not go off course, there are four guiding lights (principles) by which to navigate:

Tātou-tātou. Reminds us all that our efforts will be more effective working as a collective, rather than working in isolation.

Begin with the people. Our starting point for all work is to think about who the people are and what they need.

Be open to possibilities. If we want things to be different, we need to do things differently.

Use evidence, evaluate. Civil justice reform needs to be based on evidence of what works and what does not work.

Wayfinding is intended for:

  •     Legal professionals and service providers

  •     Community legal organisations

  •     Government agencies and policymakers

  •     Researchers and academics

  •     Funders and philanthropic organisations

  •     Anyone working to improve access to civil justice

Wayfinding defines civil justice problems broadly—as legal issues that fall outside the criminal law. These include everyday disputes and challenges that people face, such as issues with housing, employment, debt, family matters, and consumer rights. Civil justice issues are a common occurrence and being able to prevent disputes, and effectively address them when they do arise, is a key component of maintaining a peaceful and just society.

The civil justice system is complex and multi-layered. Different organisations and individuals hold expertise in different parts of the system and are already doing valuable work. Wayfinding recognises this and seeks to bring coherence and coordination to these efforts through a shared strategy.

It builds on years of research, analysis, and advocacy by the judiciary, government, community organisations, and academics. Wayfinding moves the conversation forward—toward collective action and systemic change.

Wayfinding is designed to be in place for five years, with regular reviews to ensure it remains responsive and relevant. It encourages a unified and coordinated approach across government and non-government organisations, helping the sector use its resources strategically and collaboratively.