New Zealand Acts

COURTS (REMOTE PARTICIPATION) ACT 2010 - SECT 9A

9A Use of audio-visual links and audio links by victims and support persons to observe trial and sentencing

1 Despite section 9 , a victim of an offence and any support person of the victim are entitled to observe all or part of the trial and sentencing for the offence by the use of AVL or AL (the
"relevant technology" ) if—

a) the relevant technology is available; and

b) the victim gives the court notice that they wish to use the relevant technology; and

c) there is reasonable time, after the victim gives notice, for the court to make the necessary arrangements for the use of the relevant technology; and

d) the trial or sentencing that is to be observed is open to the public; and

e) the victim and any support person are otherwise entitled to be physically present.

2 However, subsection (1) does not apply if a judicial officer or a Registrar determines that the use of the relevant technology is contrary to the interests of justice.

3 Before making a determination under subsection (2), the judicial officer or Registrar (as the case may be) must take into account the criteria specified in sections 5 and 6 .

History: Section 9A: inserted, on 2 March 2025, by section 7 of the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 33).