Justice services return to central Christchurch

Justice services will return to Christchurch’s main court building from this week.

The Ministry of Justice is the first public agency to return services to an area formerly restricted by the inner city red zone. The Tower Building on Durham Street will be used for criminal hearings from tomorrow (Thursday 15 December.)

The return to the building follows intensive structural engineering assessments and geotechnical investigations. The Ministry has determined, in conjunction with the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority and the Christchurch City Council, that the main court building is safe for re-occupation.

Staff and judges have worked from the Tower Building since 5 December.

Deputy Secretary Christchurch Jared Mullen said opening of court buildings is an important part of restoring public services in Christchurch.

“Being able to return some services to the central city is a key milestone for the Ministry and is a move that I know will be welcomed by many. The Tower is a robust building that performed extremely well in the earthquake, and in this first stage it will be used for arrest courts only. Over time other criminal and civil hearings will return.

“Since the February earthquake the safety of staff and court users has continued to be the Ministry’s paramount priority. We have undertaken months of rigorous assessments into all buildings in the main law courts complex and are now in a position to begin the return of court and justice services.

“The recent temporary closure of Rangiora District Court has sped up our re-entry plans to the Tower Building. The opening of this court will help to improve access to justice for all court users in Christchurch.”

Mr Mullen said the decision was made after consultation with Ministry staff, judges, police and lawyers. Building tours and advance information such as suggested transport routes and safety information will be provided to some groups of court users at the Tower this afternoon.

Demolition of adjacent buildings on Durham, Armagh, and Chester Streets is planned. The Ministry is assured by CERA that safe pedestrian and vehicle access will be maintained to the Tower Building at all times.

Further information, including the engineering reports undertaken at the court, is available from the Ministry of Justice website.
http://www.justice.govt.nz/media/christchurch-earthquake-response-2011/court-and-justice-services-in-central-christchurch

Court and justice services in Christchurch:

• The Ministry will continue to use a range of permanent and interim facilities across Christchurch city to deliver justice services. This includes the successful District Court operation at Ngā Hau e Whā marae
• The Tower and Family Court Buildings are the only courts in the main complex that are currently ready for re-entry. Access is restricted to other buildings while remedial work is undertaken
• The Family Court building on Armagh Street was approved for re-entry in early August and was used as office space. Family Court hearings have been held at the court since mid-November
• Aoraki House/Māori Land Court on Peterborough Street is open for use as a multi-jurisdictional court
• District Court criminal list case – for non-custodial first appearances and defendants remanded on bail or at large – are held at Ngā Hau e Whā marae on Pages Road, Bromley
• District Court jury trials continue to be held primarily in Timaru, but plans are underway to resume these hearings within central Christchurch early next year
• Custodial remands are being dealt with Christchurch Men’s Prison
• Youth Court hearings are held at New Brighton Community Board
• Youth Drug Court sits at Odyssey House each fortnight
• Remands in Child, Youth and Family care are being held fortnightly at Te Puna Wai
• Some High Court matters, Disputes and Tenancy and other civil hearings are held in facilities at Wigram Air Force Museum, Riccarton Racecourse, University of Canterbury Moot Court, Ngā Hau e Whā marae and Ashburton District Court
• Victims Services: Victim Advisors are contacting victims to offer services. In addition, victims can phone the Victim Information line: 0800 650 654 for further information.
• Public enquiries from the Christchurch area and help with court matters, fines or any other justice-related service should be directed to the Ministry of Justice 24-hour freephone number: 0800 324 627.