Episode Details

Jury duty is in crisis across Tauranga and Rotorua, with just one in four summoned actually showing up—leaving courts packed with empty seats. Over 23,000 were called in 2025, but only 5,000 showed, with nearly 10,000 excused or deferred. Businesses are reeling from lost wages and staffing gaps, especially small firms struggling to cover payroll or find temporary help amid rising costs. Juror pay barely matches average incomes, forcing many households into financial strain—even as employers try to help. The Ministry of Justice admits they summon more than needed to account for dropouts, reviewing each case for hardship. While fines exist for no-shows, jurors do get paid and can claim expenses—but it’s not enough to replace a full paycheck. Surprisingly, legal insiders say trials still get enough jurors, proving the system’s resilience despite the low turnout.

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