Ministry of Justice expects bill to help justice system operate efficiently
The Ministry of Justice has highlighted the new Juries (Age of Excusal) Amendment Act 2026, which increases the age at which the registrar has the discretion and duty to excuse a person summoned to attend as a juror to 72 years old from 65 years old.
In a media release, the justice ministry explained that Bill No. 121-2 alters the relevant provisions of the Juries Act 1981 to apply automatic excusal to individuals who are 72 years old and older.
The justice ministry expects the legislation to promote the efficient operation of the justice system. In its media release, the justice ministry said the amendment aims to:
The justice ministry’s media release noted that the legislation has come into force as of 21 February 2026.
According to the general policy statement of the Juries (Age of Excusal) Amendment Bill, prior to the change, New Zealanders above the age of 65 could automatically ask to be excused from jury service based on their age.
“As social dynamics have changed and people work and engage in society later into life, as well as the increasing difficulty to fulfil the numbers required for jury trial, it is considered appropriate to increase the age of automatic excusal,” provided the general policy statement.
In 2016, the government raised the retirement age of judges to 70. However, the government could continue appointing them as acting associate judges.
“The summoning of jurors is, at essence, a law of averages,” said the general policy statement.
According to the general policy statement, with fewer individuals able to exercise an automatic excusal from jury service, the government can improve the efficiency of the process and lower costs, as it will have to send fewer summons.
The Parliament’s website explained the progress leading toward the passage of the legislation. Carl Bates, Whanganui member of parliament, introduced the amendment as a member’s bill on 28 January 2025.
The bill passed its first reading on 9 April 2025, its second reading on 22 October 2025, and its third reading on 18 February 2026. The bill then received royal assent, with the governor-general formally signing it into law on 19 February 2026.
