The union representing court staff says it would consider dropping industrial action and returning to the bargaining table, if the Ministry of Justice is prepared to negotiate in good faith.
About 1000 Justice Ministry staff walked off the job last Monday, disrupting courts throughout the country.
The ministry says it wants to return to mediation with the Public Service Association, in an effort to resolve a breakdown in pay talks, that has led to strike action.
But the ministry's general manager for higher courts, Andrew Hampton, says for that to happen, the PSA must agree to cease industrial action.
The PSA's national secretary, Richard Wagstaff, says that's possible, but only if the ministry shows it's also willing to make concessions.
He says if the ministry refuses to budge, strike action will continue to intensify.
