Parliament has passed the Juries (Age of Excusal) Amendment Bill, raising the age for automatic jury excusal to 72.

The change updates sections of the Juries Act 1981 so that people aged 72 and over may choose to be excused from jury service.

The reform is intended to broaden the pool of potential jurors and reflect that many New Zealanders remain active in work and community life beyond 65.

The Bill was introduced as a Member’s Bill by Whanganui MP Carl Bates.

It comes into force on Saturday, February 21.

It is expected to support the operation of the justice system by ensuring a wider and more representative group of people is available for jury service.

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