The chief District Court judge pointed out that this is the one time of year court staff can freely be on break
Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu has laid out guidelines for the holiday period when it comes to court scheduling.
In a letter dated 23 October, Taumaunu presented a special order issued under r r 2.3(2) of the District Court Rules 2014 that lengthens the summer holiday period, which typically runs from 25 December to 2 January. Under the order, the holiday commences at 3pm on 24 December and extends beyond 2 January (for smaller registries).
The judge also outlined what business could be conducted during the holiday, pointing out that “for many involved in the business of the District Court, including court staff, lawyers and other stakeholders, the summer holiday period is the only time of the year when they are able to take an uninterrupted break”.
Taumaunu urged judges and community magistrates to avoid “setting down fixtures before the week commencing 13 January 2025” and to refrain from “making timetabling directions requiring compliance” prior to 10 January 2025 (where the relevant registry opens before the end of this date).
“If it is considered essential for the administration of justice that timetabling orders be complied with during this period, the relevant directions should only be made following consultation with, and the consent of, the lawyers and other parties concerned”, he wrote in the letter.
The letter was addressed to all District Court judges, acting warranted judges, community magistrates, Family Court associates, judicial justices of the peace, and registrars, as well as the principal disputes referee, national judicial resources advisor, and national scheduler.
