Previous COVID-19 updates

IMPORTANT: All the key information relating to our Ministry's response to COVID-19 is in our COVID-19 information hub


Previous updates on our website relating to the Ministry's response to COVID-19.

20 October 2022

  • Courts remain an essential service and will remain open despite the presence of COVID-19 in the community.

    Courts and Tribunals have protocols(external link) that provide a framework for ensuring that everyone who needs to participate in proceedings is able to do so.

  • As part of the Government’s move away from emergency arrangements towards long-term management of the COVID-19 virus, the Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2022 expired on 20 October.

    This means that there are some changes in the Family Court and the District Court Civil jurisdiction for electronic filing of documents, remote signing of some documents and the use of audio-only links in civil proceedings. Relevant web pages have been updated, including for File and Pay(external link)

28 April 2022

  • At 11:59pm on 13 April 2022, all of Aotearoa New Zealand moved from 'Red' to 'Orange' setting under the COVID-19 Protection Framework.

4 April 2022

28 March 2022

  • At 11:59pm on 25 March 2022, all of Aotearoa New Zealand moved from 'Red - Omicron Phase 3' to 'Red' under the COVID-19 Protection Framework. Scanning requirements were also removed.

10 March 2022

  • The current COVID-19 Omicron outbreak means some courts and tribunals are experiencing staff shortages. This may impact on court operations through reduced services, and customer counter hours may differ from those published. For more detailed information about a specific court, please call 0800 COURTS (0800 268 787).

14 February 2022

31 January 2022

23 January 2022

  • The Prime Minister announced today that at 11:59pm on 23 January 2022, all of Aotearoa New Zealand will move to the Red setting under the COVID-19 Protection Framework.

21 January 2022

  • As per the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday, as of 11:59pm on 20 January 2022, Northland moved to the Orange setting. The rest of the North Island, and the South Island, remain at Orange. 

21 December 2021

  • Guidance for the public’s requirements to enter court buildings from Tuesday 1 February 2022 has been released.

17 December 2021

14 December 2021

  • Cabinet announced yesterday that all areas of Aotearoa currently in Red, excluding Northland, will move to Orange at 11:59pm on 30 December 2021. Northland will remain at Red.

2 December 2021

  • As of 11:59pm on 2 December Aotearoa will have moved to the traffic light setting. Northland, Auckland, Taupō and Rotorua Lakes Districts, Kawerau, Whakatane, Ōpōtiki Districts, Gisborne District, Wairoa District, Rangitikei, Whanganui and Ruapehu Districts are set at Red. The rest of the North Island is set at Orange. The whole of the South Island is set at Orange. 

  • All courts to continue operating under existing arrangements. From Monday 6 December, new transitional protocols will be in place. Further guidance to be released tomorrow on the Courts of NZ website.(external link)

29 November 2021

  • The Government has announced that Aotearoa New Zealand will move into the COVID-19 Protection Framework 'traffic light' system at 11.59pm on Thursday 2 December 2021. Visit the Government COVID-19 website(external link) to see the different region colours under the new system.
  • The Auckland border will reopen on 15 December 2021 for those who are fully vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure.

20 November 2021

  • Waikato courts will return to operating at Alert Level 2 protocols from Monday 22 November 2021.

17 November 2021

  • Parts of the Waikato (including Hamilton) moved to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm last night. The Auckland region is at Alert Level 3. The rest of Aotearoa New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2.

12 November 2021

  • Northern Northland moved to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm last night. The Auckland region and parts of the Waikato region (including Hamilton) are at Alert Level 3. The rest of Aotearoa New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2.
  • The Chief Justice released a media statement on 11 November regarding jury trial suspensions in Auckland and Waikato, and advising that Kaitaia District Court is now operating under Alert Level 2 protocols.

9 November 2021

  • Uploaded the Chief Justice's media statement of 4 November regarding jury trials in Waikato for November

3 November 2021

  • The Auckland region, northern Northland (including Kaitaia) and parts of the Waikato region (including Hamilton) are at Alert Level 3. The rest of Aotearoa New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2.

29 October 2021

  • The Chief Justice released a statement yesterday advising that jury trials in Auckland will be suspended until at least December 2021.

18 October 2021

  • Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has confirmed today that Northland will move to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 19 October. Auckland will remain at current Alert Level 3 restrictions for at least another two weeks. Parts of Waikato will remain at current Alert Level 3 restrictions with a review on Friday, 22 October. The rest of Aotearoa New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2.

15 October 2021

 13 October 2021

  • The COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed today that Northland and parts of the Waikato region will remain at Alert Level 3 until at least 11.59pm on Monday, 18 October. Auckland remains at Alert level 3 until at least 11.59pm on Tuesday, 19 October. The rest of Aotearoa New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2.

11 October 2021

  • The Chief Justice released a media statement yesterday regarding court operations in Auckland, Northland and Waikato during Alert Levels 2 and 3.
  • The Prime Minister has confirmed today that Auckland will remain at Alert Level 3 for at least another week. Northland and parts of the Waikato region will remain at Alert Level 3 until at least 11.59pm on Thursday, 14 October, with these settings being reviewed on Wednesday, 13 October. The rest of Aotearoa New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2.

9 October 2021

  • The Auckland and Northland regions and some areas of Waikato, including Hamilton City, are at COVID-19 Alert Level 3. The remainder of New Zealand is at COVID-19 Alert Level 2.
  • Jurors who have been summoned to attend at court on Monday 11 October in Northland, Hamilton and parts of Waikato in Alert Level 3 do not need to attend. Please see Information for all court and tribunal users (page has been archived). Further advice for the rest of the week will be provided after the alert levels are reviewed.

8 October 2021

  • COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed today that some parts of Northland will move to Alert Level 3 at 11.59pm tonight and will be reviewed on Monday, 11 October. Auckland and parts of Waikato remain at Alert level 3 and the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2.

7 October 2021

4 October 2021

  • Some areas in the Waikato region are now at Alert Level 3 and will be reviewed on Friday, 8 October. Auckland remains at Alert level 3 and the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2.
  • Health and Safety factsheet about keeping courts safe at Delta Alert Level 3 has been updated

3 October 2021

  • The Prime Minister has confirmed today that some areas in the Waikato region will move from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3 at 11.59pm tonight and will be reviewed on Friday, 8 October. Auckland remains at Alert level 3 and the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2.
  • The Chief Justice released a media statement today regarding Waikato area court protocols under Alert Level 3.

1 October 2021

24 September 2021

22 September 2021

  • The Auckland region is at COVID-19 Alert Level 3. The remainder of Aotearoa New Zealand is at Alert Level 2.
  • The Information for all court users page (page has been archived) has been updated with relevant information for COVID-19 Alert Level 3.
  • Guidance for property sales and settlements during COVID-19 (page has been archived) has been updated.
  • Property sales and settlements guidance for lawyers during COVID-19 (page has been archived) has been updated.
  • Health and Safety factsheet about keeping courts safe at Delta Alert Level 3 (page has been archived) has been updated.

20 September 2021

  • The Prime Minister has confirmed today that the Auckland region will move from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 at 11.59pm tomorrow night, Tuesday 21 September 2021 and remain there for at least 2 weeks. The rest of Aotearoa New Zealand will remain at Alert Level 2.

17 September 2021

  • The Chief Victims Advisor has released a media statement about employers supporting their staff who may be experiencing family violence during COVID-19 lockdowns - for more information, go to Chief Victims Advisor website(external link)

13 September 2021

  • The Prime Minister has confirmed today that the Auckland region will remain at Alert Level 4 and the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand will remain at Delta Alert Level 2 for at least another week
  • Updated health and safety information for jurors

11 September 2021

9 September 2021

  • Updated Guidance for property sales and settlements (page has been archived) under Delta Alert Level 2.
  • Updated Guidance for lawyers for property sales and settlements (page has been archived) under Delta Alert Level 2.

8 September 2021

  • The Auckland region is at COVID-19 Alert Level 4. The remainder of Aotearoa New Zealand is now at Delta Alert Level 2
  • An updated Health and Safety during COVID-19 factsheet has been released with information about keeping courts safe at Delta Alert Level 2

7 September 2021

  • The Chief Justice released a media statement last night regarding court operations under Alert Levels 2 and 4

6 September 2021

  • The Prime Minister has confirmed today that the Auckland region will remain at Alert Level 4 for at least another week. The rest of the country will move from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm tomorrow night, Tuesday 7 September 2021.

3 September 2021

  • The Auckland region is at COVID-19 Alert Level 4. Everywhere else in Aotearoa New Zealand is at Alert Level 3
  • Updated our guidance for managing shared parenting under different COVID-19 Alert Levels
  • The Chief Justice released a media statement today regarding Northland court operations under Alert Level 3

1 September 2021

  • The Auckland region and areas north of Auckland are now at COVID-19 Alert Level 4. Everywhere south of the Auckland-Waikato border is at Alert Level 3. The Auckland region will remain in Alert Level 4 for at least two more weeks. Areas north of Auckland may move from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 at 11.59pm on Thursday, 2 September 2021, subject to confirmation.

31 August 2021

  • An updated Health and Safety during COVID-19 factsheet has been released with information about keeping courts safe at Alert Level 3

30 August 2021

  • The Prime Minister has confirmed today that the Auckland region will remain at Alert Level 4 for at least the next two weeks. Areas north of Auckland remain at Alert Level 4 and will be reviewed on Thursday 2 September. Areas south of the Auckland-Waikato border will shift from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 at 11.59pm tomorrow night, Tuesday 31 August 2021, with a review of this alert level next week.

29 August 2021

  • The Chief Justice has released a new media statement regarding court operations at COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4
  • Jurors summoned for the week beginning Monday 30 August do not need to attend. Court staff will make contact with any juror already serving on a trial. All District Court matters considered 'priority proceedings' will be conducted remotely where possible in the Criminal, Family, Youth and Civil courts. See the latest media statement above from the Chief Justice for more detail

27 August 2021

  • The Prime Minister has announced today that Auckland and areas north of Auckland will remain at Alert Level 4 for at least the next two weeks. The rest of the country will shift from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 at 11.59pm on Tuesday 31 August 2021.

24 August 2021

23 August 2021

  • The Prime Minister has announced that Auckland will be remaining at COVID-19 Alert Level 4 until 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 August 2021. The rest of Aotearoa New Zealand will remain at COVID-19 Level 4 until 11.59pm, Friday 27 August 2021.
  • Our guidance for property sales and settlements during COVID-19 Alert Levels (page has been archived) has been updated for Alert Level 4
  • Our guidance for property sales and settlements for laywers during COVID-19 Alert Levels (page has been archived) has been updated for Alert Level 4
  • Our guidance for commercial property settlements during COVID-19 Alert Levels (page has been archived) has been updated for Alert Level 4
  • Our information for people signing and witnessing wills during COVID-19 Alert Levels (page has been archived) has been updated for Alert Level 4

21 August 2021

  • No new jury trials will begin during COVID-19 Alert Level 4 in the High Court or District Court. Jury trials currently underway will remain adjourned.
  • Jurors summoned for the week beginning Monday 23 August do not need to attend. Court staff will make contact with any juror already serving on a trial. All District Court matters considered 'priority proceedings' will be conducted remotely where possible in the Criminal, Family, Youth and Civil courts. See the latest media statement below from the Chief Justice for more detail
  • The Chief Justice released a new media statement last night regarding the extension of COVID-19 Alert Level 4

20 August 2021

  • The Prime Minister has just announced that the whole of New Zealand will be remaining at COVID-19 Alert Level 4 until 11.59pm, Tuesday 24 August 2021. This will have an impact on court operations and we will update this page as soon as we have more information.
  • Our guidance for shared parenting during COVID-19 Alert Levels has been updated for Alert Level 4

19 August 2021

  • An updated Health and Safety during COVID-19 factsheet has been released with information about keeping courts safe at Alert Level 4
  • The Information for all court users page (page has been archived) was updated with relevant information for COVID-19 Alert Level 4

18 August 2021

  • The Chief Justice has released a media statement [PDF, 516 KB] regarding the move to COVID-19 Alert Level 4

17 August 2021

  • As of 11.59pm tonight, the whole of New Zealand has moved to COVID-19 Alert Level 4. We will update this page tomorrow with further information relating to how this will impact court operations and Justice services.
  • The Prime Minister has just announced that from 11.59pm tonight, the whole of New Zealand will be moving to COVID-19 Alert Level 4. Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula will be at Alert Level 4 for seven days, while the rest of the country will be at Alert Level 4 for three days. This will have an impact on court operations and we will update this page as soon as we have more information.

29 June 2021

  • COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has announced that Wellington will return to Alert Level 1 at 11.59pm tonight, Tuesday 29 June with the rest of New Zealand staying at Alert Level 1. Please keep an eye out for updated court protocols here and on the Courts of New Zealand website(external link)

27 June 2021

  • 1.30pm: Wellington region remains at COVID-19 Alert Level 2 and the rest of New Zealand remains at Alert Level 1
  • COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has announced that Wellington will remain at COVID-19 Alert Level 2 for another 48 hours until 11.59pm Tuesday 29 June while the rest of New Zealand stays at Alert Level 1. Please keep an eye out for updated court protocols here and on the Courts of New Zealand website(external link)

23 June 2021

  • 6pm: Wellington region has now moved into COVID-19 Alert Level 2 and the rest of New Zealand remains at Alert Level 1
  • The Chief Justice has released a media statement regarding Wellington's move to COVID-19 Alert Level 2
  • An updated Health and Safety factsheet for COVID-19 Alert Level 2 has been added to the top of our main COVID-19 Hub page
  • COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has announced that from 6pm tonight, 23 June, Wellington will be moving to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 while the rest of New Zealand stays at Alert Level 1. Please keep an eye out for updated court protocols here and on the Courts of New Zealand website(external link)

12 March 2021

7 March 2021

5 March 2021

28 February 2021

  • The Chief Justice released a media statement(external link) regarding the move to COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 2
  • Health and Safety factsheets for COVID-19 Alert Level 3 and Alert Level 2 have been added to the top of our main COVID-19 Hub page
  • Auckland has moved into COVID-19 Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand has moved to Alert Level 2, for a period of 7 days

27 February 2021

  • The Prime Minister announced that from midnight tonight, Auckland will be moving to COVID-19 Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand will move to Alert Level 2. Please keep an eye out for updated court protocols on the Courts of New Zealand website(external link)

22 February 2021

  • The Prime Minister announced that from midnight tonight, all of New Zealand will be moving to COVID-19 Alert Level 1. Please keep an eye out for updated court protocols on the Courts of New Zealand website(external link)

18 February 2021

  • Health and Safety factsheets for COVID-19 Alert Level 2 and Alert Level 1 have been added to the top of our main COVID-19 Hub page

17 February 2021

  • The Chief Justice released a media statement regarding the move to COVID-19 Alert Levels 2 and 1
  • The Prime Minister announced that from midnight tonight, Auckland will be moving to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 and the rest of New Zealand will move to Alert Level 1. Please keep an eye out for updated court protocols on the Courts of New Zealand website(external link)

14 February 2021

  • The Chief Justice released a media statement regarding the move to COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 2
  • Health and Safety factsheets for COVID-19 Alert Level 3 and Alert Level 2 have been added to the top of our main COVID-19 Hub page
  • Following the Prime Minister's announcement that Auckland will be moving to COVID-19 Alert Level 3 from midnight tonight and the rest of the country will move to Alert Level 2, the Chief Justice has prepared updated court protocols(external link)

7 January 2021

  • The Factsheet for Health and Safety Measures During COVID-19 Alert Level 1 has been updated
  • Hamilton District and High Courts re-opened to the public

6 January 2021

  • Hamilton District and High Courts were closed today as a precautionary measure after a person awaiting the outcome of a COVID-19 test attended court. That person later tested negative, but both courts will undergo a deep clean tonight before re-opening to the public tomorrow.

Updates prior to 2021

16 November 2020

12 November 2020

  • Central Auckland (CBD) is operating in a heightened health and safety environment. All courts remain open. Please see our COVID news story(external link) for further information.

25 September 2020

  • A new section about COVID-19 commercial lease dispute services (page has been archived) has been added. It has information about streamlined arbitration and mediation services to resolve commercial lease disputes arising from COVID-19.

21 September 2020

7 September 2020

4 September 2020

3 September 2020

  • Factsheet about health and safety in the courts has been updated

2 September 2020

  • Factsheet about health and safety in the courts has been updated. 

1 September 2020

31 August 2020

28 August 2020

  • Information on justice services and programmes (page has been archived) has been updated with new information to reflect different COVID-19 Alert Levels
  • Information for service providers on the COVID-19: Information for lawyers and service providers (page has been archived) has been updated

27 August 2020

26 August 2020

25 August 2020

24 August 2020

  • Information for all court users (page has been archived) page has been updated.

21 August 2020

20 August 2020

19 August 2020

  • News Story (page has been archived) - Between Monday 24 August - Thursday 27 August 2020, public access to the Christchurch Law Courts will be limited. These include all Christchurch Courts(external link) held at the Justice & Emergency Services Precinct.

18 August 2020

17 August 2020

16 August 2020

15 August 2020

  • Jury service (page has been archived) pages were updated regarding jury trial suspensions in the Auckland region under COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • Information for families and whānau (page has been archived) was added for various COVID-19 Alert Levels

14 August 2020

13 August 2020

  • The Chief Justice issued a statement(external link) announcing that jury trials in the Auckland region are still suspended until Monday 17 August, but jury trials throughout the rest of the country will resume today, 13 August.

12 August 2020

29 July 2020

  • The Chief District Court Judge has issued a protocol for people who are in managed isolation or quarantine and wish to access the District Court. 

10 June 2020

  • Information for all court users (page had been archived) has been updated in response to COVID-19 Alert Level 1.
  • Jury service (page has been archived) has been updated in response to COVID-19 Alert Level 1.

 4 June 2020

  • Arbitrating commercial lease disputes (page has been archived) - New policy to support commercial landlords and tenants to reach agreement about rent disputes relating to COVID-19.

25 May 2020

22 May 2020

  • The Chief District Court Judge has issued a practice note (page has been archived) setting out the process for appeals to a public health order issued under section 11 of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020.
  • Updated Guidance for commercial leases and mortgages a (page has been archived) in response to COVID-19 Alert Level 2.
  • Updated Commercial property guidance for lawyers (page has been archived) in response to COVID-19 Alert Level 2.
  • Advice on how to make a claim in the Disputes Tribunal(external link) was updated in light of COVID-19 Alert Level 2.
  • COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (page has been archived) were updated with information about Protection Orders.
  • The Māori Land Court site was updated with guidance for trusts, incorporations and land owners affected by COVID-19.
  • Guidance relating to the payment of fines(external link) during COVID-19 was updated.

19 May 2020

18 May 2020

17 May 2020

  • Courts and tribunals continue to conduct as much of its usual business as it is safely able to in COVID-19 Alert Level 2. 
  • Read the court protocols during COVID-19 Alert Level 2 on the Courts of New Zealand website.(external link) 
  • Updated information for all court users (page has been archived) in response to COVID-19 Alert Level 2.
  • Updated Guidance for Residential Property Settlements (page has been archived) in response to COVID-19 Alert Level 2.
  • Updated Guidance for Lawyers about Property Settlements (page has been archived) in response to COVID-19 Alert Level 2.

15 May 2020

14 May 2020

12 May 2020

8 May 2020

7 May 2020

6 May 2020

  • Information about alcohol licensing (page has been archived) has been updated

5 May 2020

  • Access to court locations (page has been archived) updated with the latest status of all courts, including how to file documents at each location 
  • FAQs for Youth Court Professionals on COVID-19 Alert Level 3 published on the Youth Court page(external link)

29 April 2020

  • Criminal Record Checks(external link) was updated with information about how the service is operating under COVID-19 Alert Level 3
    (external link)
  • Coronial Services(external link) was updated with information about how the service is operating under COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • Information for the legal profession(external link) was updated with guidance for COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • Information for all court users (page has been archived) was updated with guidance for COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • Information about oaths, affirmations and declarations (page has been archived) was updated with guidance for COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • Family court guidance (page has been archived) was updated with information about COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • The Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority(external link) was updated with information about how the service is operating under COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (page has been archived) were updated
  • Our Courts landing page was updated with information about how the courts are operating under COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • The Family section of the website was updated with guidance about COVID-19 Alert Level 3.

28 April 2020

  • Updated Court Closures page (page has been archived) with information about which courts are operating at COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • Updated About Civil Debt pages(external link) in light of COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • Updated Information for people needing to complete oaths (page has been archived) in light of COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • Updated Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal in light of COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • Updated Land Valuation Tribunal in light of COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • Updated Guidance for Residential Property Settlements (page has been archived) in light of COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • Updated Guidance for Lawyers about Property Settlements (page has been archived) in light of COVID-19 Alert Level 3
  • Updated Guidance for Managing Shared Custody(external link) in light of COVID-19 Alert Level 3

27 April 2020

  • Updated Frequently Asked Questions (page has been archived) in relation to parenting orders and shared custody in Alert Level 3

Information about how various tribunals will operate in COVID-19 Alert Level 3 was published:

24 April 2020

23 April 2020

22 April 2020

21 April 2020

20 April 2020

  • FAQs about COVID-19 (page has been archived) were updated.

17 April 2020

  • Changes were made to the requirements for signing and witnessing wills (page has been archived), as well as taking oaths, affirmations and declarations (page has been archived), in light of COVID-19. 
  • Requirements for alcohol licensing (page has been archived) also changed. 
  • More information was provided about family court guidance (page has been archived).
  • Information about admission to the bar was (page has been archived) added.
  • New guidance for the media in court was added.

15 April 2020

  • Rules around commercial leases and mortgages (page has been archived) were updated in light of COVID-19. 
  • Added new property advice (page has been archived) to COVID-19 information page.

14 April 2020

 9 April 2020

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