How does name suppression work in New Zealand?

Name suppression is one of the most contentious parts of the New Zealand legal system.  

Many high-profile criminals in recent years have received name suppression for months or years on end – with the five year suppression for the Mama Hooch rapists being one of the recent examples of how long suppression can last. 

That can cause tension with the general public, as it often seems as though it's only high profile offenders who get to keep their identities hidden. 

So how does name suppression work, how evenly is it handed out, and how important is it to the legal system? 

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