Marae to host separate youth court

7:06 pm on 19 June 2012

A new youth court is to be built on Nga Hau e Wha marae in Christchurch.

It will be constructed alongside the District Court set up at the marae following earthquake damage to judicial buildings in the city.

Some Government agencies, such as Child, Youth and Family, will also be housed in the $350,000 temporary building.

Minister for Courts, Chester Borrows, says the separate building will mean that youths won't be mixing with adults under the same roof - something that happens in many other court buildings around the country - and this may reduce the pressure to behave like older criminals.

When the courtrooms are not being used for youth cases, they will be available to other courts, and are due to open by December.