Victim advocate Ruth Money appointed Chief Victims Advisor

Monday, 10 February 2025

A woman who can be often seen at courts around the country supporting victims and their families has now been appointed the Government’s Chief Victims Advisor.

Ruth Money, MNZM, found herself as a victim advocate in 2012 when she decided to take a year off and do volunteer work.

She’s since worked with hundreds of victims and their families who have been affected by serious crimes.

“I am really honoured and this recognises all those amazing people I’ve represented and advocated for over the last 13 years. I hope I can represent the systemic changes that need to happen,” Money told Stuff.

“My ultimate goal is for a fair and balanced system, but we have a long way to go but the Government has signalled they want that too.”

In announcing Money’s appointment Minister Paul Goldsmith said Money had extensive experience across the many and varied components of the justice system.

“Ms Money is already an outspoken and energetic victims advocate with a proven track record of driving change… She is committed to the view that society can and must do better for victims,” Goldsmith said.

Money is an expert in advocating for victims and has worked alongside many victims and their families. From high profile cases to ones that most people will never read about, Money has been there.

In her new role, Money said there are work streams that can be implemented that can make a significantly change the experience of victims in New Zealand.

She would like to live in a world where there are no victims of violent crimes, but that is something that is many generations away, she said.

“But we can ensure we have appropriate entitlements and can and do not do future harm.”

Money said she truly believes that, while she will be working under the Ministry of Justice, change needs to occur across the wider system.

She said in the last 13 years, society and the system have acknowledged sexual and family violence are huge issues in New Zealand.

“The system is trying to do better, but there is a long way to go.”

Money has walked beside every representation of New Zealanders and crime type.

“I want to honour their experiences to transform what we currently have.”

Goldsmith said the advice provided by Money over the next two years will be essential in ensuring there are 20,000 few victims of violent crime by 2029, while keeping the needs of victims at the forefront of the justice system.

He acknowledged Dr Kim McGregor for her work in the role over the past nine years.