A temporary criminal court has opened in Masterton, more than eight months after the town's courthouse was closed because of its earthquake risk.
The new facility, in a converted supermarket, was opened on Tuesday morning by Courts Minister Chester Borrows.
The Masterton court was one of seven shut down in December when the Justice Ministry said its overall quake-strengthening bill would be about $2 million.
The cost of fixing the Masterton court alone has since blown out to $3.5 million.
Mr Borrows says the temporary courthouse, which has cost about $600,00, will begin hearing all criminal cases in Masterton from Monday.
