Information for family, whānau and friends

Family, whānau and friends are welcome to come along and offer support to those attending hearings

Information for supporters

Here is some information to help you understand what happens at a MHRT hearing:

  • You will be asked to identify yourself at the beginning of the hearing, and explain your relationship with the applicant
  • You don't have to say anything at the hearing if you don't want to. If you do, what you say may be noted down, and you may be asked questions by members of the MHRT and the applicant’s lawyer
  • Be aware that what takes place in hearings is private and confidential. It is an offence to disclose to the public what takes place at the hearings. If you do, you could be fined up to $10,000
  • The MHRT understands that when whānau, family and friends disagree with what applicants say, they may be reluctant to speak in order to protect their relationship with the applicant
  • Following the hearing the MHRT issues a written decision which might record what you have said. Sometimes these decisions are put online for the public to see, but when that occurs any information that might identify you is removed to protect your privacy and the privacy of everyone involved in the hearing
  • Please note: The MHRT has no power to decide where or how the applicant is treated. Its role is to decide whether or not the applicant’s current legal status should change.
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