The New Zealand Jewish Council has welcomed a Human Rights Commission proposal to collect better information on hate crimes.

Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy said New Zealand currently has no way of recording hate crimes.

Jewish council spokesperson David Cumin hoped the Human Rights Commission would fully consult with minority communities that are the main targets.

"We have, unfortunately, a little bit of experience in these matters and hopefully we can help as well."

Council president Stephen Goodman said the proposal could help reduce crime.

"Recording hate crimes as such, and identifying the perpetrators as well as the victims, will help identify patterns. The information should be used for protecting victims as well as targeting aggressors."

He said there was no need for new hate crime laws, as current rules were sufficient.

"It is good to hear the Race Relations Commissioner say that there is no need for new hate crime laws.

"Freedom of speech is much too important to restrict, unless there is also a threat of violence involved.”