The New Zealand Bar Association is an incorporated society. The general functions of the Association are:

To promote and encourage a strong and independent bar.

To promote the interests of barristers and the separate independent bar, and the interests of the public in relation to legal representation and the operation of the Judicial system generally.

To preserve and maintain the independence and integrity of barristers.

To promote and encourage a high standard of ethical conduct amongst barristers.

To preserve and maintain the independence and integrity of the Judiciary.

To promote and encourage a high standard of legal representation and advocacy.

To promote opportunities for the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge of the law, legal procedure, advocacy, and the conduct of litigation.

To promote improved access to the Courts and to Justice for all persons.

To assist in and promote the reform of the law and legal procedure.

To discourage and eliminate any form of discrimination among or against barristers of the separate independent bar.

To provide assistance and encouragement to barristers at the commencement of their practice at the separate independent bar.

To provide means for the amicable and expeditious settlement of differences between barristers, and between barristers and solicitors.