Update on legal aid applications in Christchurch
The Legal Services Agency has provided further information on legal aid applications and processing in Christchurch:
“a) Applications entered in our computer system that have not had decisions made will be assessed to see if a decision can be made based on the information on file, without the physical application. Files will be unable to be retrieved until it is verified if/when the Christchurch Legal Aid Office is safe to be re-entered. Applicants and legal aid providers who have not received a letter by 4 March should phone the Christchurch office on 03 363 6500 (this will be re-directed to another Legal Aid Office. A new application form may have to be completed.
“b) Applications entered in our computer system with decisions made will all have letters resent if they are outside the Christchurch metropolitan area. Letters addressed to those inside the Christchurch metropolitan area will be posted at a later stage. Christchurch lawyers can call the Christchurch office on 03 363 6500 for information (this will be re-directed to another Legal Aid Office).
“c) Application forms in the Christchurch Legal Aid Office and those in the Courts yet to reach the Christchurch office will be unable to be retrieved until it is verified if/when the buildings are safe to be re-entered. Applicants and legal aid providers who have not received a letter by 4 March should phone the Christchurch office on 03 363 6500 (this will be re-directed to another Legal Aid Office). A new application form may have to be completed.
“Application forms are on the Agency's website at http://www.lsa.govt.nz/lawyers/forms-and-resources/application-forms.php. Applications can be faxed to 03 379 8742 or emailed to info@lsa.govt.nz.
“All DX, faxes and telephone calls have been re-directed so Christchurch numbers can still be used for any queries.
“The Agency is working closely with the New Zealand Law Society to ensure duty lawyers are available in the Christchurch area.” (Source: Legal Services Agency response to New Zealand Law Society request for information).