Andrew Little says criminal justice reform is about turning people into good, productive citizens

The government's released two reports recommending a fresh approach to break the cycle of offending - in a bid to reduce the number of victims of crime.

Justice Minister Andrew Little says it's an immediate commitment to doing things differently.

He says it's not about showing how tough the government can be, but dealing with people in real trouble.

Changes include making pilot Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment courts in Auckland and Waitakere permanent - and funding a new court in Hamilton.