The plan encompasses the period from July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2010. The plan encompasses the Ministry's following core functions: delivering operational services, including court and tribunal-related services, electoral services and negotiation for settling historical Treaty of Waitangi claims; providing policy advice; and providing leadership for the justice sector. Following a listing of the Ministry's assigned tasks, this report profiles the environment in which the Ministry operates, which influences its strategic direction. Attention is given to the international environment as well as the Nation's environment, the public service and justice sector, and the Ministry's internal environment. The report notes that overall the Ministry's current and future environment is characterized by continual change in all these areas. The report then presents the themes of the 5-year strategy, namely, putting service first; ensuring simple, connected processes; building knowledge and expertise; and enhancing sector collaboration. Strategies for putting service first are to improve understanding of service needs, to enhance services to reflect understanding of service needs, and to enhance public understanding of the justice system. Strategies for ensuring simple, connected processes are to operate effective systems and processes to enhance service delivery and underpin Ministry work. Strategies for building knowledge and expertise are to increase the Ministry's capability and enhance the Ministry's business and management information. Strategies for enhancing sector collaboration are to work with other agencies in delivering justice-sector outcomes and develop a shared vision for the justice system of the future. Supporting strategies are also outlined, followed by a diagram that shows how the key government goals and sector outcomes influence the strategic plan.