WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — During a visit to New Zealand, Polish President Andrzej Duda has defended the moves his nation's government have made to take control of the judicial system.

The conservative government lowered the retirement age for Supreme Court judges from 70 to 65 as part of a broader judicial overhaul which has put it in conflict with the European Union. Poland's Supreme Court this month suspended implementation of the legislation.

Duda told reporters Wednesday that 80 percent of Polish society believes that deep reform of the judicial system is absolutely necessary.

Speaking through an interpreter, Duda said a group of prominent judges was unhappy they were losing influence because they were retiring.

Duda made the comments in Auckland after meeting New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. He's visiting New Zealand until Thursday.