Blake Storrier | McCall MacBain Foundation

Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

For those fortunate enough to avoid it, the criminal justice system sits out of sight and out of mind. It is something that we don’t (and don’t want to) think about. However, if we care to look closer, a common theme emerges: almost everyone drawn into the CJS, victims and defendants alike, is at one of the most vulnerable points in their lives. If the true measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members, Aotearoa is falling short.

Through studying, working and volunteering in the law, I have seen how the criminal justice system fails to provide hundreds of thousands of vulnerable New Zealanders with the support they need every year. Through my research, I hope to raise awareness of pressing issues facing our criminal justice system and help ensure New Zealand has a fair, just and equitable justice system.

Sponsor: McCall MacBain Foundation

Mentor: Hon. Justice Andrew Becroft, QSO

Justice of the High Court of New Zealand and an esteemed New Zealand jurist and barrister. He previously served as Children’s Commissioner from 2016 to 2021, advocating for child wellbeing and safety, and earlier as a District Court Judge and Principal Judge of the Youth Court. Throughout his career, Justice Becroft has specialised in youth justice and child advocacy, contributing to policy, practice, and public dialogue in this area.