Verdict on court jobs made today
The Ministry of Justice is to make a major announcement this morning on the future of Oamaru District Court's counter services and administration work.
Oamaru's court staff will find out if they still have jobs as an overhaul of the justice system is expected to be confirmed.
In October, it was announced that counter services and administration work at the temporary registry office set up at the Work and Income building will no longer be provided next year.
At the time, Courts Minister Chester Borrows told the Oamaru Mail that Oamaru's administrative staff positions were expected to be transferred to Timaru. Mr Borrows could not comment on job losses, but said it would be up to Oamaru staff to decide if they would like to transfer to Timaru.
The Ministry of Justice said the changes created the opportunity to modernise and improve the delivery of court services.
Oamaru is expected to only retain the function of a hearings court in the Oamaru Opera House.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said a number of internal and external submissions had been received.
Staff will learn this morning whether those proposals have been confirmed and bigger management changes would be announced, the spokesman said.
If the administration services are transferred to Timaru, the Court's paperwork will all be done in Timaru District Court.
Fines would be paid online, over the phone, by internet banking or at the Oamaru PostShop or Westpac Bank.
Local Justices of the Peace, or lawyers, will have to witness statutory declarations and provide certified true copies of documents.
Under the proposal, documents would be delivered to the court by post, email, fax or by hand delivery to the Timaru High/District Court counter.
General court enquiries would have to be made through a toll-free number.
There will be no announcement tomorrow on the fate of the Oamaru District Court building, as the Ministry of Justice continues to undertake further investigative work to determine the required approach to structural strengthening for the building and assess the long-term options for the courthouse before making a final decision in the new year.
