McKenzie Friend

A person who is given approval by the Judge to assist a non-represented person in court is called a "lay assistant" or "McKenzie Friend". The person is there to provide moral support and advice. They are allowed to speak quietly with the defendant and take notes, but they cannot act as a legal representative or address the court.

Generally a person will have to advise the Judge that they are bringing a McKenzie friend. There is no "right" to have a McKenzie Friend in the New Zealand courts. The McKenzie Friend may have to sign a confidentiality agreement before they are allowed to appear.