"The new documents have been written in plain language and can be downloaded from the website of the Governor-General, or provided in hard copy on request," says Robert Taylor, Official Secretary to the Governor-General.
"The Royal Prerogative of Mercy is an important constitutional safeguard providing a special avenue for cases to be re-opened where a person may have been wrongly convicted or sentenced," Mr Taylor said.
"It is essential that potential applicants have easy to follow information about the process and know what details they need to provide on making an application.
These documents have been designed with that in mind. All applicants will be required to complete the application form. Assistance may be requested by persons who are not fluent in English."
The information pamphlet and application form may be downloaded from: http://www.gg.govt.nz/role/royalprerogative.htm