Ministry of Justice media update - Christchurch earthquake
Tuesday 1 March 2011, 6:55AM
By Ministry of Justice
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Court buildings in Christchurch remain closed until further notice.
Anyone summoned for jury service at either the High or District Courts in Christchurch this week is not required to attend.
District Court
· Interim arrangements remain in place to hold District Court services essential to support law and order, and include arrest matters, remand appearances, and also apply to Youth Court arrests.
· Court business continues as usual in Timaru, Ashburton, and Rangiora.
High Court
· All non essential High Court matters set down for this week are adjourned.
· Until further notice applications for any High Court matters may be lodged in the Wellington registry of the High Court by post or email.
Family Court
· Urgent applications are being dealt with by the Wellington and Dunedin Courts.
Environment Court
· Environment Court staff will liaise directly with any parties that may be affected by the current situation.
· Meditations on the Canterbury Water Plain case can proceed during the week of 14 March.
Disputes Tribunal
· Disputes Tribunal hearings scheduled in Rangiora for this week have been postponed.
Maori Land Court
· Clinics scheduled in Blenheim, Nelson and Kaikoura this week have been cancelled.
· Until further notice all other enquiries should be redirected to the Maori Land Court, National Office, Wellington.
Legal aid
· The Christchurch Legal Aid Office remains closed.
· The Legal Services Agency is working closely with the Canterbury-Westland branch of the New Zealand Law Society to ensure duty lawyers are available in the Christchurch area.
· Christchurch legal aid clients and lawyers can call the Christchurch office on 03 363 6500 for further information.
Further help
· There is a 24-hour freephone number for anyone with questions or concerns relating to court matters, appearances, bail matters, fines or any other Justice service - 0800 324 627.
There is also additional information on the Ministry's website at www.justice.govt.nz.