Chris Finlayson

Wellington, March 18 NZPA - Parliament has passed legislation that increases the maximum number of District Court, Associate High Court and Court of Appeal judges.

Attorney-General Chris Finlayson said it would help alleviate delays in the criminal and civil justice systems.

The maximum number of District Court judges has been increased from 140 to 156, Associate High Court judges from six to nine and Court of Appeal judges from nine to 10.

Mr Finlayson said the measures were part of the Government's commitment to reducing the cost and time of litigation and would ensure courts were adequately resourced to improve access to justice.