A pilot project begins on Monday allowing some remand prisoners to appear in court by video link.
The Government put $2 million in the 2010 Budget for audio-visual facilities to be installed in some courts and prisons.
Officials will start testing the technology on Monday on inmates at Auckland Central Remand Prison for matters like bail applications and suppression hearings.
Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson hails the pilot as a breakthrough for efficiency.
The Ministry of Justice anticipates more than $3.2 million will be saved in the coming decade by adopting video appearances.
