17 First, there has to be a clear acceptance and demonstration that there is a need for law reform.    I  suspect  that  there  is  never  going  to  be  a  shortage  of  candidates  within  this category. All of our statute books are replete with legislation which is outmoded in its approach or expression.  There are constant new challenges about issues which require attention.  It is not sensible, however, to use a law commission as a place to deal with matters which are not a high priority for the  government, or as a mechanism to get an issue  off  the  political  agenda,  or  because  it’s  the  hobby- horse  of  some  individual commissioner. Secondly,  there  needs  to  be  a  clear  indication  that  reform  could  have  a  significant impact  on  the  life  of  New  Zealand  and  New  Zealanders  and  is  viewed  as  a  priority.   Special pleading for interest groups is not a good initiator.  There will be matters which affect some but not all, where reform is needed to overcome injustice and inequity, but the law commission should not be a repository of arcane and irrelevant studies. We  should  only  be  involved  in  work  which  does  have  a  priority  within  the  overall society.    Indulging  in  fascinating  academic  issues  which  are  peripheral,  or  so  near  the edge as to be irrelevant, is not a good use of public funds. Thirdly,  we  do  best  in  projects  which  require  a  substantial  and  sustained,  long-term commitment.  There may be some narrow one-off issues which can be attended to, but basically  those  will  best  be  dealt  with  in  ministries  or  other governmental operational agencies.  They  are  better  fixed  by  policy  advisers  within  law  reform  sections.    Law commissions  can  sensibly  consider  those  matters  which  otherwise  suffer  from  or  are neglected because of short-term electoral cycles.  In every society changes of approach and operation which lack profile or excite high level interest, can impact beneficially on so many. Next  I  am  of  the  view  that  law  reform  work  is,  by  its  very  nature,  consultative  and  it must  be  consultative  beyond  the  immediate  interest  group.    Some  have  advocated  law