News

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  Tom Phillips case statement from Principal Family Court Judge

  Published 12 September 2025 |

  Statement from Principal Family Court Judge Jacquelyn Moran There has understandably been a lot of public interest in Tom Phillips and his children. I acknowledge that people have followed this case for a number of years and hold well-intentioned concerns about…

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  Judge-alone Trial Protocol released

  Published 25 July 2025 |

  The Chief District Court Judge has published a Judge-alone Trial (JAT) Protocol, intended to support the preparedness of parties for the trial date, reduce delays and make the most of available judicial sitting time. Judge-alone Trial Protocol

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  Remote participation protocols released

  Published 18 July 2025 |

  The New Zealand judiciary has released protocols for the use of remote participation by the defendant in custody in hearings in the criminal jurisdiction of the District Court and High Court. It is the duty of judges to ensure procedural fairness…

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  Nelson courthouse update

  Published 30 May 2025 |

  Nelson courthouse is expected to reopen to the public on Wednesday, June 4. The courthouse was vacated in February while remediation work aimed at improving the building’s performance in an earthquake was completed. Read the Ministry’s statement here

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  Discharge without conviction

  Published 13 May 2025 | Judge Lance Rowe

  If a person pleads guilty to, or is found guilty of, an offence, usually they are convicted of that offence. However, a judge still has discretion not to convict that person. This is granting a discharge without conviction. It means the…

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  Three new Judges appointed

  Published 28 April 2025 | Te Whare

  The Attorney-General has announced the appointment of David Laurenson KC, Sacha Nepe and Hermann Retzlaff as District Court judges.  Read the announcement here.