Ministry of Justice update on Courts and Jury service

There has been extensive damage to several Ministry of Justice workplaces and those that are undamaged are disrupted by access and power issues so court buildings in Christchurch will be closed for the remainder of this week. The Ministry will work with Police and Corrections to provide arrest courts as required.

The High Court has been closed by order of the Chief High Court Judge. The District Court has been closed by order of the Executive Judge for Christchurch.

Court fixtures scheduled this week for Timaru, Ashburton, Rangiora and Kaikoura will not now go ahead.

Anyone summoned for jury service in Christchurch this week is not required to attend.

There is a 24-hour freephone number for anyone with questions or concerns relating to court matters, fines or any other Justice service - 0800 324 627. (Source: Media release from ministry).

© New Zealand Law Society 2008