Update on Christchurch Courts

All court buildings in Christchurch remain closed until further notice. Anyone summoned for jury service in Christchurch this week is not required to attend.

Environment Court staff will liaise directly with any parties that may be affected by the current situation.

An update on court fixtures scheduled in Timaru, Ashburton, Rangiora and Kaikoura this week will be issued on Monday, 28 February.

Anyone with questions or concerns related to the courts in Christchurch may ring the 24-hour freephone 0800 324 627.

To recap, information released on courts in Christchurch can be summarised as follows:

Interim arrangements are in place to hold District Court services essential to support law and order. These include arrest courts, remand appearances, urgent Family Court applications and bail matters.

All non-essential Christchurch High Court matters set down for this week (from 28 February) will be adjourned.

Arrangements are being made for dealing with essential High Court matters. These include Bail applications, bail appeals, Habeas Corpus, urgent judicial reviews, applications for urgent relief, and criminal appeals.

Until further notice applications for any High Court matters may be lodged in the Wellington registry of the High Court by post (PO Box 1091, Wellington 6140, phone 04 914 3600, Fax 04 914 3603) or email.

All High and District Court Judges have been accounted for and are safe. (Source: Various communications from Ministry of Justice).

© New Zealand Law Society 2008