About Justice Watch New Zealand
A civil society organisation operating within New Zealand's democratic and legal framework.
Constitutional Mandate
The primary purposes of Justice Watch New Zealand Inc., as set out in its Constitution, are:
- To scrutinise the actions of national and local government, and other bodies, to ensure that justice is being done and seen to being done in respect of the citizens of New Zealand.
- To take steps to ensure that fundamental human and common law rights and liberties are being upheld in New Zealand by the actions of government and others.
- To publicise and advocate for changes to laws and policies that adversely affect the rights, freedoms, and health of New Zealanders.
- To investigate, commence, and join proceedings to hold people responsible for breaching the law where such breaches have significantly impacted the rights, freedoms, or health of New Zealanders.
The work of Justice Watch New Zealand is carried out in accordance with this constitutional mandate and within the framework of New Zealand's constitutional and legal system.
Constitutional and Legal Protections
New Zealanders are protected by a framework of domestic and international law designed to restrain state power and safeguard individual rights.
The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 affirms and protects fundamental civil and political rights, including the right to life, freedom from cruel or degrading treatment, the right to refuse medical treatment, protection from unreasonable search or seizure, and the right to natural justice.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which New Zealand is bound, protects the inherent right to life, equality before the law, and freedom from arbitrary interference.
Constitutional protections are enforceable. In Fitzgerald v R [2021] NZSC 131, the Supreme Court confirmed that serious breaches of protected rights require effective remedies. The State must remain within the limits of lawful authority, and accountability mechanisms exist where it does not.
Justice Watch New Zealand Inc. stands for democratic government under law, equal protection of rights, and the enduring principle that the law governs the State.