Fill-in courthouse for Oamaru likely

ROSA STUDHOLME

A backup venue for court sessions in Oamaru appears to have been found.

The Oamaru courthouse was closed last month after fears it would collapse in an earthquake.

An Opus engineering report to the Justice Ministry showed it met only 13 per cent of earthquake-strengthening standards and posed a significant threat to occupants.

The ministry closed the courthouse on December 1, along with five others around the country, until strengthening work was carried out. The work is expected to take up to 12 months to complete.

The ministry confirmed yesterday it was "tying up loose ends" to secure a venue that had been identified.

"We've made some great progress with the assistance of local politicians and a few other people," spokesman Steve Corbett said.

"We're getting some great support from those relationships."

An announcement could be expected on Monday, he said.

A venue that has been suggested is the Oamaru Opera House, but Mr Corbett could not confirm it was the venue being sought.

Concerns have been raised at the disruption being caused by the court's closure. One woman told The Timaru Herald last week she had to hitch-hike to be able to make her appearance in Timaru.

Oamaru-based Prisoners Aid and Rehabilitation Society volunteer Louise Daley confirmed the closure was causing hardship for a lot of people.

Most people appearing in court were on low incomes or benefits, or did not have a means of transport, she said.

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said action was urgently needed.

"There are solutions here which are almost ready to go. I need some decisions made pretty quickly; not for me, for the court staff who are travelling through to Timaru on a daily basis."

It was also disruptive for local law firms and defendants appearing in court, she said.

There was a backlog of cases waiting to be heard.

"It's not in a timely fashion and it's not fair.

"If we have some decisions and we get some progress then I will be very happy."

- © Fairfax NZ News