New Zealand First party leader Winston Peters says government cuts to services in rural areas are weakening the fabric of society.
Mr Peters spoke at a rally on Monday outside the Dargaville Courthouse - where about 70 people staged a protest at moves to reduce local court services.
He said the cutbacks would force complainants, defendants and their families to travel to the Whangarei court - and the costs would fall on those who can least afford it.
"This is the thin edge of the wedge, the softening up for full closure of all court services here; for that is the way this government thinks. Now I know you voted for them, but this is truth and tell time," he said.
The protest leaders presented Mr Peters and the Greens' spokesperson for courts, David Clendon, with a 1200 signature petition to table in parliament on Tuesday.
The court is to open for hearing days only and two employees will lose their jobs.
