Under new legislation, the Tauranga District Court has undergone a name change and will now be known as the ‘District Court at Tauranga'.

The superficial alteration reflects government changes to modernise the New Zealand courts and instead of a network of separate district courts, the District Court is now consolidated into a unified entity with General, Family, Youth and Disputes Tribunal divisions.

Changes include an expanded jurisdiction in civil matters from $200,000 previously to $350,000; the availability of new orders; a lift in the maximum number of permanent judges to 160; more specified powers for the Chief Judge; and requirements to publish progress on delivery of reserved judgments.

Chief District Court Judge Jan-Marie Doogue says when taken alongside accompanying legislative changes, such as that opening the way for more audio visual links in court, the District Court Act 2016 Act simplifies the structure of the court and better reflects modern approaches.

'The vast majority of people who go to court in New Zealand rely on a District Court, and will continue to attend their nearest courthouse.

'They may notice little practical change, but this is a historic milestone. The measures are designed to bring more clarity and transparency and will help the District Court adapt to changes experienced since the landmark Royal Commission on the Courts recommended establishment of district courts in 1978.”

Associate Justice Minister Mark Mitchell says the changes focus on creating a more people-centred justice system by making it easier to understand and more efficient for people to use.

'The unified New Zealand District Court will be the largest court in Australasia, spanning across 58 court sites and hearing more than 200,000 cases a year.

'The reform also includes steps to enable the digitisation of court processes. For example, defendants can now appear by audio-visual links for criminal procedural appearances

'This means fewer defendants will be transported from secure facilities to appear in court, increasing efficiency and improving the safety of witnesses and court staff.”