PART FOUR: THE NEW ZEALAND LAW COMMISSION Introduction 198.  Part  4  of  the  Report  focuses  on  the  performance  of  the  New  Zealand  Law Commission (“Law Commission”) since its establishment in 1986, and ways in which the structure, processes and position of the Law Commission within the New Zealand Government system could be improved.   Part 4 is the heart of the Report.  In accordance with the Terms of Reference, it contains the evaluator’s view of:    (a)     The Commission’s strengths and achievements; (b)     Any weaknesses that may exist in the Commission’s structure, legislative mandate or performance; (c)     The relationship of the Commission to Ministers, the Ministry of Justice, and the Government system generally; (d)     Whether any improvements could be made, and if so, what? 199.  The  Law  Commission  describes  itself  as  “an  independent,  publicly  funded, central advisory body established by statute to undertake the systematic review, reform and development of the law of New Zealand”.  The long title of the Act says it is a central advisory body.    200.  This description is expanded upon by former President of the Law Commission Justice Sir Kenneth Keith⁵⁰: The Law Commission is established as a central body to promote the systematic review,   reform   and   development   of   the   Law   of   New   Zealand.      It  is  not established, as some law reform bodies are, simply to respond to ministerial references.  The Commission is to keep under review in a systematic way the law of  New  Zealand  –  the  whole  of  the  law.    It  can  advise  on  reviews  of  the  law undertaken by departments and public bodies.  And it can itself, on its own motion or when requested, make recommendations for the reform and development of the law. [Emphasis added]                                                  50   Sir Kenneth Keith,  “Philosophies of Law Reform” (1991) 7 Otago LR 363, 373.