Justice minister also revealed that the commission will be based in Hamilton
The chief commissioner of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), its first advisory board, and its home base have been revealed by Justice Minister Andrew Little.
Colin Carruthers QC commenced as the chief commissioner of the CCRC at the start of the month, Little said. His term will last 18 month term months.
“Mr Carruthers brings a significant amount of mana and credibility to the role, having practised as a senior barrister in both defence and prosecution roles,” Little said.
The justice minister also announced that the CCRC advisory group will be formed by:
- Tracey McIntosh – Professor of indigenous studies and co-head of Te Wānanga o Waipapa (School of Māori Studies and Pacific Studies) at the University of Auckland
- Nigel Hampton CNZM, OBE, QC – Criminal defence lawyer
- Elisabeth McDonald – Professor of criminal law, evidence and procedure at the University of Canterbury
- Dr Anna Sandiford - Senior forensic science consultant and director of The Forensic Group
- Dr Tamasailau Suaalii-Sauni – Associate professor of criminology at the University of Auckland
- Tim McKinnel – investigator and previously a detective with New Zealand Police
The advisory group will advise on the CCRC’s design, to ensure consistency with the legislation, Little said.
The justice minister also said that by design, the CCRC will call Hamilton home, in order to be “independent from the big bureaucratic and judicial centres, Auckland and Wellington.”
The CCRC, which begins operations on 1 July, is currently looking for commissioners.
