# Justice boss won't step down after review reveals culture marred by leadership issues

> Justice Secretary Andrew Kibblewhite says he'll lead changes despite review finding leadership and accountability problems in New Zealand's Justice Ministry.
- Title: Justice boss won't step down after review reveals culture…
- Summary: Justice Secretary Andrew Kibblewhite says he'll lead changes despite review finding leadership and accountability problems in New Zealand's Justice Ministry.
- Keywords: new zealand, justice ministry, andrew kibblewhite, public service commission, te au reka, court system, leadership issues, policy review, RNZ
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/crime-and-justice/2558048/justice-boss-won-t-step-down-after-review-reveals-culture-marred-by-leadership-issues
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-11-12T05:05:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new zealand, justice ministry, andrew kibblewhite, public service commission, te au reka, court system, leadership issues, policy review, politics, news
## Review finds leadership problems
Justice Secretary Andrew Kibblewhite says he won't step down after a review revealed leadership and accountability issues in the ministry.
## Former Lotto presenter suspended
Former Lotto presenter Russell Harrison was suspended for five years on full pay - more than $500,000 - as he faced charges relating to organised crime.
## Public Service Commission review
The Public Service Commission carried out the review and described the Harrison case as a microcosm for broader findings.
## Leadership accountability issues
The review found leaders were not sufficiently focused on public trust, too accepting of flawed internal advice, and overly concerned about legal action.
## Kibblewhite's response
Kibblewhite said he would 'grab that with both hands' to lead changes despite the report's findings.

> I'm grabbing that with both hands
## Justice system under pressure
The report highlighted a justice system under 'intense pressure' with persistent, complex challenges and rising service expectations.
## Staff report confusion
Staff said strategy documents were 'overly bland at best and at worst confusing' with no clear plan for addressing backlogs.
## Te Au Reka digital system
Te Au Reka, a new digital case management system, is a major court administration reform representing significant investment.
## Key takeaway

New Zealand's Justice Secretary Andrew Kibblewhite won't step down after a review found leadership and accountability issues in the ministry.