11. NICKY WAGNER (National—Christchurch Central) to the Minister for Courts: What recent announcements has he made regarding court services for Christchurch?

Hon CHESTER BORROWS (Minister for Courts) : On Tuesday I announced the plans to build the new Youth Court on the marae at Ngā Hau e Whā. This is the location where we have been running the criminal list court and it has proved to be an excellent venue.

Rt Hon Winston Peters: Ngā Hau e where?

Hon CHESTER BORROWS: Wanganui dialect. The construction of a Youth Court on this marae will be very conducive to dealing with youth appearing before the Youth Court and will have facilities for other agencies to be housed within the same building.

Nicky Wagner: What benefit will the new courtroom offer to the wider court system in Christchurch?

Hon CHESTER BORROWS: When not in use by the Youth Court, the facility will be able to be used by other jurisdictions, increasing the capacity for the courts in Christchurch.

Charles Chauvel: Supplementary question—

Mr SPEAKER: Charles Chauvel. I will allow this supplementary question.

Charles Chauvel: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Does the Minister think it is acceptable that nearly half—27—of New Zealand’s 60 courthouse facilities are used for less than half of the time; if not, what plans does he have for improving the utilisation of court services in New Zealand generally?

Hon CHESTER BORROWS: There is currently a review of court utilisation and how court services will be provided in the future. There are a number of considerations to be made as to court placement, and their utilisation in terms of court hours is one of those important considerations.