6 Statement of Intent What we do and why The Commission�fs purpose is ambitious and its functions challenging. Our statutory mandate requires us to promote the review, reform and development of New Zealand law. If we do this in a systematic and principled way the longer term impact of our work for the community is that laws meet the needs of the community, clearly reflect the policy objectives underpinning them, are clearly articulated and are made widely available so that people are aware of their legal rights and responsibilities; that citizens have confidence in the integrity of our legal system; and that appropriate constitutional checks and balances are in place. These are indicators of a modern, strong and sound legal system and can only be ascertained and evaluated over the long term. They are not easily achieved or measured in the short or even medium term and it is not within the Commission�fs capability or resourcing levels to evaluate our long term impact in these areas. Our focus is on achieving success in the law reform enterprise with our objective being to develop a sound and principled approach to law reform through our contribution to: Sound legal and policy analysis that takes account of wider environmental considerations and reflects sound research and a robust policy development process; High quality legislation that facilitates underlying policy objectives, meets society�fs contemporary needs and reflects its diverse valu Constitutionally appropriate law that acknowledges the international human rights instruments and other treaties to which New Zealand is a party; and A legal environment that reflects the increasingly global nature of law and co-operation between legal systems. A sound and principled approach is not only fundamental to the law reform enterprise and the development of our legal system but also to our status as a trading nation and a participant in global affairs. New Zealand will suffer if proper repairs and renovations to our statute laws are not performed. The law needs to be kept up to date to reflect developments in new technology and business practices. This is important for the commercial life of the country and for the better functioning of our socie This approach is reflected and nurtured within the Commission�fs legal research and policy culture. Commission staff are skilled legal researchers and policy analysts. They work within a challenging and collegial environment that is characterised by a free exchange of ideas between staff and Commissioners, work-shopping of policy proposals, internal peer