Name suppression figures have dropped by more than 50 per cent over the last four years says Justice Minister Amy Adams.

The Ministry says people granted name suppression in 2011 was 640 people by mid-2015 this number was 317.

Justice Minister Amy Adams. Photo/Supplied.

According to the community law website, 'Name suppression means that a person's name and any details may identify them cannot be published.”

The website details what criminal cases may allow name suppression. These include, sexual cases (to protect the victim), cases involving minors or for defendants or witnesses and victims.

Some cases may grant name suppression to the accused if it may cause extreme hardship to the defendant or their family. The website highlights the fact 'the fact that a defendant is well-known does not necessarily mean they will be eligible for name suppression.”

Justice Minister Amy Adams says the drop comes from the change in the rules surrounding name suppression.

'New Zealanders made it clear they thought too many people were getting name suppression.”

However Amy says there are legitimate circumstances where a defendants name needs to be suppressed such as to protect the victims or ensure a fair trial.

She says the law now appears to be striking a better balance between the interests of the parties involved and the public's right to know.