The Citizen and Administrative Justice: Reforming Complaint Management in New Zealand

Abstract

This paper explores the emergent concept of "administrative justice" in the context of administrative complaint management. It suggests that a new theory of administrative justice should be adopted for New Zealand, which will reform the way that citizens' complaints about administrative decision makers are handled. Currently, the system of complaint management operates against citizens rather than in their favour which, it is suggested, inhibits good governance and weakens the relationship between New Zealand citizens and the state.