The court office closed for the last time yesterday, but there will be a transition period during the next six months when a regular court ''counter day'' will operate at the Winz building in Coquet St.
After that, North Otago people wanting to access court staff will have to go to Timaru, an hour away.
The future of the court office in Oamaru has been in doubt since it had to shift from the historic 1883 courthouse in Thames St after it was deemed an earthquake risk and closed at the end of November 2011. After a short stint in Timaru, the court office opened again in the Winz building in Oamaru in early March last year.
A national review of courts was then carried out, the Oamaru office being identified for closure and becoming a ''hearing court'' only.
That has affected 2.8 full-time-equivalent positions, one person having taken redundancy and others to be decided.
North Otago representative on the Otago Law Society David Jackson said yesterday, when contacted, the Ministry of Justice was making savings by closing the office, but the community would face extra costs in gaining justice.
''Justice is not just about dollars and costs, but also ready access,'' he said.
The court office had provided valuable free advice and assistance to people, particularly those dealing with issues that may not need a lawyer such as minor disputes, filing papers and witnessing documents. People would now have to obtain such services elsewhere, such as from justices of the peace or lawyers, which would lead to tension as the community expected such services to be free.
Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy, of Oamaru, said the major effect on police would concern the process of swearing informations (for people charged to appear in court) and issuing warrants. However, other processes were available, including the use of justices of the peace.
In the meantime, long-term options for the future of the Oamaru courthouse are still being assessed.
Oamaru District Court
• Oamaru court office closed permanently yesterday and Timaru court officers take over managing Oamaru. Court hearings will continue in Oamaru Opera House.
• North Otago people will have to freephone or travel to Timaru to talk to court staff.
• Fines can be paid online via a website or internet banking or through Post Shops or Westpac.
• Court documents will have to be posted or delivered in person to Timaru court counter.
• Statutory declarations can be sworn or declared with justices of the peace and lawyers.
• Marriage licences, births and deaths can be obtained online with Department of Internal Affairs.
