10 December 2012

Final courts announcement could provoke further provincial backlash
The government could face a growing backlash from communities like Dargaville once it makes a final announcement on plans to downgrade or close down local courts, according to the Public Service Association.

The Ministry of Justice is expected to announce the final outcome of a major restructuring of court services this week. It follows a proposal which went out in October which will see four courts closed, nine others downsized and dozens of job losses.

Those earmarked for closure under the proposal are Whataroa, Feilding, Warkworth and Upper Hutt, while Dargaville, Waihi, Te Awamutu, Te Kuiti, Opotiki, Marton, Waipukurau , Oamaru and Balclutha will be reduced to hearing courts only.

In Dargaville today about 70 people turned out to protest against the cutbacks which they say will force people to travel to Whangarei for court services. They also handed over a 1200 strong petition to send to parliament.

“This is a clear demonstration that the public wants and values public services in their own local communities,” says PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff.

“It is good to see new technology allowing greater access however the reality is that many people don’t feel they have access to computers or the means to travel long distances to get the services they need. “

“Over the past two years many government departments have moved offices and services out of provincial New Zealand. What we’re seeing in Dargaville is a reflection of the depth of feeling among these smaller communities against the continued withdrawal of vital face-to-face public services.”

“On top of that these communities will also be hit by the forced redundancies which will affect dozens of court staff. These are good, skilled jobs being taken out of provincial New Zealand where good jobs are increasingly hard to find,” he says.
ENDS

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