Court security will receive a boost on budget day.
The budget will give court security an $800,000 upgrade and $9 million in operational funding, Courts Minister Georgina Te Heuheu announced today.
About 30 new security officers will be hired over four years, bringing the national total of court security officers to 83.
Scanning and searching people entering court was the most effective way of reducing risk, Ms Te Heuheu said.
"Additional security equipment will also be purchased, including walk-through metal detectors, baggage scanners, radios and closed circuit TV systems.
"Courts by their nature are emotionally tense environments where parties in dispute are brought together."
A spokesman for Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias said judges would be relieved security was being given priority.
"They are grateful for the additional funding at a time when the Government is operating under conditions of stringency."
