Although the Wellington High Court building remains closed, all High Court fixtures and services are now operating, information from the Judicial Office for Higher Courts states.

The High Court in Molesworth Street, and the adjoining New Zealand Law Society Library, were damaged in the 14 November 2016 earthquake.

Alternative venues have been found for all High Court fixtures set down to be heard until the end of 2016, with the High Court completing its final sitting for the year on 16 December. A small number of cases from the week 14 to 18 November were adjourned and have either since been reheard or will be rescheduled.

Different courtrooms throughout Wellington are being used for different fixtures. The Ministry of Justice provides information on daily fixtures here.

The High Court Registry (including the probate team) has temporarily relocated to the sixth floor of the District Court at 43-49 Ballance Street. Lawyers or members of the public wanting to file documents can do so there. All other contact details for the High Court, phone and email remain the same.

From 21 November, Judges of the Wellington High Court, their associates and clerks, have been based at the old High Court in Stout Street.

The Chief High Court Judge, Justice Venning, has advised that the Registry was closed under High Court Rule 3.4 from 14 to 18 November inclusive. He says High Court Rule 1.18 will apply to that time period.

The Ministry of Justice is also providing occasional updates of the situation relating to ministry sites in Wellington.