Professional Court Assessments Across
Aotearoa New Zealand
Specialists in alcohol and drug assessments and Section 27 cultural reports — supporting
more informed, fair, and rehabilitative sentencing outcomes.
Trusted. Compassionate. Experienced.
About Talking Shop
Talking Shop is a Southland-based service working with legal professionals and courts across New Zealand. We specialise in comprehensive court reports, particularly alcohol and drug assessments and cultural assessments under Section 27 of the Sentencing Act.
Founded by Shane Pleasance in 2006, Talking Shop has built a reputation for timely, respectful, and effective assessments that contribute meaningfully to sentencing decisions.
Meet the Team
Shane Pleasance
MBA, R/N, PGCERT, BSc (Hons), MinstD, DAPAANZ Reg Prac
A registered nurse, addiction professional, and experienced director, Shane brings clinical insight and cultural understanding to each report.
Edward Pleasance
MA, BA, DAPAANZ Member
Edward supports service delivery with a strong background in education and cultural reporting.
Key Services
We provide expert assessments and reports for court-related matters:
Alcohol & Drug Assessments
For courts, defence lawyers, and Legal Aid-funded clients across New Zealand.
Cultural (Section 27) Assessments
Focused on personal history, systemic context, and rehabilitation.
Driver Licensing Assessments
Section 65 assessments authorised by NZTA and Ministry of Health.
Learn More About Our Services
View the complete list of services we offer and find the support that’s right for your needs.
What Our Clients Say
“The report you prepared was brilliant, I don’t know how you turned that around so quickly…we got a great result yesterday.”
Law Firm
“Thank you again for the report. X was sentenced to enter into full-time residential rehabilitation. The judge made positive mention of the work on the report when passing sentence.”
Public Defence Service
“You did a far better job in one paragraph than the S27 report writer did in 20…the rest of your report was just so comprehensive and well-written. I doubt he would have received the sentence he did without your report.”
Law Firm
Contact Us
Based in Invercargill and Dunedin, we provide services to all courts south of Christchurch and offer remote assessments nationwide via video, including all prisons.
For referrals, formal quotes, or questions about the assessment process, contact us directly. Assessments are available in person or remotely by arrangement.