New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) and the award-winning NZ Herald podcast network have launched a new video podcast series delving into court cases creating headlines across New Zealand.
Open Justice: Case by Case, with funding from New Zealand on Air, is hosted by Jane Yee - NZ Herald’s Head of Podcasts, alongside the Herald’s Open Justice reporters from across the country. The series will examine the cases, disputes and decisions in courts and tribunals across New Zealand.
Building on the Herald’s excellent Open Justice journalism, the 20-episode series has been developed to further support public understanding of court and justice issues. Each episode is split into two parts: first unpacking a case by breaking down the facts, arguments and outcome, before widening the lens to explore key aspects of the justice system connected to the story. Each episode will be released in conjunction with an NZ Herald article as well as in video podcast format.
From name suppression, sentencing, to the role of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) and the Tenancy Tribunal, Open Justice: Case by Case provides context behind the headlines and answers to the questions many New Zealanders have about how the justice system works.
Elizabeth Binning, Open Justice editor, says the series is a natural evolution for Open Justice, one of New Zealand journalism’s most significant public interest editorial initiatives.
"Open Justice was developed with a simple belief in mind: that an open and transparent legal system is vital to a well-functioning democracy. The public has the right to be the eyes and ears of the courtroom, and Case by Case opens courtroom doors to an even wider audience. It brings those stories to life through audio and video, while also giving people the opportunity to get to know the talented team of journalists behind our Open Justice reporting."
Jane Yee, Head of Podcasts at NZ Herald, says: “Case by Case will give audiences a new way to engage with the Herald’s Open Justice journalism. By pairing fascinating cases and findings with expert explainers, the series will help New Zealanders better understand the complex legal and tribunal processes and decisions that shape our justice system."
Watch the first episode of Open Justice: Case by Case at nzherald.co.nz or listen on iHeartRadio or other major podcast platforms. Episodes are released weekly on Tuesdays.