What is NCJO
A unified approach to civil justice.
The National Civil Justice Observatory exists to strengthen and support efforts to improve access to civil justice across Aotearoa New Zealand.
We connect people, share evidence, and enable collective action toward systemic change.
The NCJO was established as a key initiative of the Wayfinding for Civil Justice Strategy, developed following a series of hui and extensive engagement across the sector.
The strategy reflects a shared commitment to improving access to civil justice in Aotearoa and identified the need for national coordination, shared insight, and collective action—efforts now being led by the NCJO.
We operate under a collective impact model, which means our work has two interconnected parts:
The network
A broad, inclusive group of voices from across the civil justice system—practitioners, judges, community legal services, policymakers, researchers, and others.
The network actively shares insights, collaborates on initiatives, and works together to shape priorities and advance a common agenda for improving access to justice.
Network working groups are a key part—small, cross-sector teams tackling priority issues through regular meetings and coordinated action.
The backbone organisation
The NCJO acts as the backbone, providing the dedicated staff and infrastructure that collective impact requires—separate from participants—to handle coordination, facilitation, data, communications, and logistics.
This includes hosting hui, sharing evidence and resources, and driving projects that advance the collective goals identified by the network.
The backbone function is currently based within the Civil Justice Centre at the Faculty of Law, University of Otago.
Together, this model ensures that change is sector-led, collaborative, and sustained—combining shared vision with practical support to strengthen civil justice across Aotearoa.
The NCJO is guided by a cross-sector steering group that provides strategic leadership and ensures alignment with the shared vision.
Read more about collective impact here.
What we do
Share research and insights that inform better decision-making across the system.
Support collaboration across the sector and disciplines.
Host events tailored to the needs of the network.
Facilitate and promote advocacy opportunities, and provide evidence to support informed advocacy efforts.
Circulate opportunities, including training, funding, and collaboration.
We thank the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation for providing funding to establish the NCJO.
