Upper Hutt and Masterton court update given

The Ministry of Justice has released an update on the Masterton and Upper Hutt District Courts, which were closed in late November 2011 after engineering experts warned there was a high risk of partial or full collapse in a significant seismic event.

The ministry says that in Masterton most hearings are now being heard from the Masterton City Council buildings. It says good progress is also being made on finding a longer-term option for housing registry services and court hearings in the Masterton community.

All Upper Hutt services continue to be offered from Lower Hutt District Court. The ministry says arrangements are being made to set up a clinic on a regular basis where a Justice of the Peace and a court staff member will be available for people needing affidavits sworn, declarations taken and documents certified.  Local lawyers will also be able to file urgent documents.