Confusion over court sittings

Confusion continues to reign over court sittings normally scheduled in the Oamaru District Court.

In early December, the courthouse was closed for up to 12 months after the Ministry of Justice announced seven district courthouses required strengthening following the Christchurch earthquakes.

Oamaru District Court manager Peter Bond said criminal cases would be heard in the Timaru District Court until further notice.

The exception would be sentencing cases transferred to Dunedin in early September.

He expected criminal cases to be heard in the Timaru District Court on January 18, February 1-2, 7, 15 and March 1, with the possibility of another sitting on February 29.

Disputes Tribunal cases will be heard at the Opera House in Oamaru, as will Justice of the Peace, minor traffic and police cases, on February 16.

Some Family Court cases are being heard in Dunedin this month, while Oamaru court staff will continue to travel to and from the Timaru District Court each day.

All involved parties had been informed of the changes to the schedule, Mr Bond said.

- ben.guild@odt.co.nz

 

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