Christchurch Court information following Saturday’s earthquake.
UPDATE 6 – 1pm Thursday 9 September.

Hard work and commitment by Ministry of Justice staff has resulted in further progress on the restoration of normal service delivery in Christchurch and a continuation of the support provided to other justice sector agencies.

• The Court is continuing to process new arrests and bail applications in the normal manner

• Defended hearings, minor traffic hearings and jury pre-trial applications are being heard as usual.

• Applications for Protection Orders and other business continue as usual at the Family Court.

• The High Court and Collections area are operating as normal.

• The Christchurch Coronial Service Unit continues to operate as usual and has returned to its Durham Street offices after they were closed pending inspection and clearance. Other arrangements have been in place to cover the first part of the week.

• There are a number of Coronial inquests scheduled next week and parties will be contacted to check their availability.

• The Environment Court continues to operate as usual and has returned to its Armagh Street offices after closing temporarily following Wednesday’s aftershock. The hearing set down for Monday will commence as planned at this stage.

• The Te Waipounamu District office of the Maori Land Court has also re-opened in Peterborough Street following building clearance. Records and files have been undamaged.

• List proceedings at Rangiora Court that were scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed until Monday 20 September with all previous arrangements carried over.

• All Disputes and Tenancy Tribunal cases have been postponed for the remainder of the week but the Court remains open for urgent Tenancy applications. Both are expected to return to business as usual from Monday.

• The four jury trials scheduled in Christchurch this week have been postponed but those summoned to appear for the week commencing Monday 13 September should expect to attend court and check the message on the Christchurch jury service phone number 03 962 4399 over the weekend for confirmation.

• Any Canterbury residents who have concerns about fines or reparations as a result of the earthquake should call 0800 4 FINES.

• Anyone with questions or concerns on court activity should contact the relevant number listed below.

• The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation in Christchurch and make decisions on court operations day by day.

• Further media updates will be issued as new information comes to hand.

Thank you for helping keep court users informed.

ENDS

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