Criminal hearings to return to Christchurch

File Photo

Christchurch District Court hearings that moved to outlying locations after last month's earthquake are to resume in the city next month.

Courts deputy secretary Andrew Hampton today said Christchurch could operate a criminal court list from April 18, initially from a temporary facility.

The Ministry of Justice had moved from focussing on providing essential services to a business recovery stage, he said.

"As soon as it is practical, we will operate these criminal hearings from the Maori Land Court on Peterborough Street.

"But until we can access the court buildings in central Christchurch, a temporary location will be used."

Mr Hampton said further details about the temporary facility would be available next week.

A number of criminal list hearings were scheduled at the time of the earthquake, and about 800 district court cases have been set down since February 22.

The magnitude 6.3 quake damaged much of central Christchurch, forcing the Ministry of Justice to use other locations, such as courts in Rangiora, Ashburton, Timaru and Wellington.

The Rangiora District Court will continue to be used for arrest courts, as well as custodial sentencing, while custodial remands will be heard at Christchurch Men's Prison.

The Ministry of Justice has hired premises at Riccarton racecourse to extend the range of family and civil hearings.

Facilities at Wigram Air Force Museum will continue to be used where necessary.

Ministry staff are working from a temporary registry office at Sockburn to provide administrative support to all locations.

- NZPA