New figures reveal Whanganui's jury attendance record

Whanganui Crown Solicitor Michele Wilkinson-Smith says the system doesn't work without jurors. Photo / 123RF

Whanganui's crown solicitor says jury service is "essential", following the release of figures that reveal the region's attendance.

Ministry of Justice figures show 4054 individuals were initially summonsed to appear for jury service in Whanganui with 1295 of those later cancelled - many due to suspended trials as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Of the remaining only 448 attended with 938 excused. There were 22 applications to be excused declined. There were 638 deferrals granted with two applications declined.

The figures include summons for the Whanganui High Court and the District Court.

Exemptions are provided to those otherwise engaged with work or whānau commitments, or those not permitted to serve on a jury.

Many of the cancelled summons were due to suspended trials as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown.

The figure of jury attendance in Whanganui is significantly lower than the average rate of attendance nationwide, with 23 per cent of Kiwis called up for jury duty showing up for service.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Whanganui Crown Solicitor Michele Wilkinson-Smith said jury service was a fundamental aspect to New Zealand's justice system.

"The simple answer is that juries are essential."

The experienced lawyer said there are different reasons as to why people choose to stay clear of jury service, and some of that can be rooted in previous experiences.

"I'd be speculating, but I imagine that some people are just too busy. Other people have had negative experiences with the Police and court systems themselves and just don't want to be there. Other people might be victims of crime and court is confronting for them."

Asked what her advice would be to those called to serve, Wilkinson-Smith reinforced the importance of the system, which simply doesn't work without the role of the public.

"It's a public service but we need people to do it. As a society, we all benefit from having a jury system."

Any member of the public enrolled on the electoral roll can be called up for jury service, as long as they are not an MP, a practising lawyer, a Corrections, Police or Ministry of Justice staff member, or have previously been sentenced to three years in prison or more.

If you're aged 65 or over, permanently disabled, or have a chronic illness, you can request to be permanently excused when you respond to your jury summons.