Justice minister visits the US

Justice Minister Judith Collins. Photo / NZPA / Wayne Drough

Justice Minister Judith Collins flies to the United States today for meetings with American counterparts - but she has no intention of raising the subject of litigation against Megaupload millionaire Kim Dotcom during her visit.

During a week-long stay, Ms Collins will discuss "a range of justice policy issues" with top echelon legal figures in the United States.

Her meetings include US Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr, who heads the Department of Justice, and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, who visited New Zealand earlier this year.

When asked if Ms Collins would raise the litigation against Dotcom during any of her meetings in America, a spokeswoman for the minister said "certainly not".

"That would be highly inappropriate," she said.

Dotcom is fighting extradition to the United States where he faces allegations of internet piracy.

The Megaupload millionaire's court case was a topic of interest in the United States recently, when Hollywood lobbyists raised the case with Prime Minister John Key during his trip to Los Angeles.

Whilst in America this week, Ms Collins will visit Adult Drug Courts and hold discussions with the FBI and police officials on policies to combat drug offending.

The chats will include Commissioner Raymond Kelly of the New York Police Department.

"There is no doubt that alcohol and drugs are a problem for many communities in New Zealand, and where it results in crime it is important we take action," Ms Collins said.

She will also meet with experts on privacy and addressing the problems caused by cybercrime and cyber-bullying.

Ms Collins will also lay a wreath at the Vietnam War Memorial, visit Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, and tour the 9/11 Memorial in New York.