$3.5m later, court is now in session

After being closed for more than a year, for a $3.5 million refurbishment and strengthening project, the historic Masterton courthouse was officially reopened yesterday by Courts Minister Chester Borrows.

The courthouse, which was designed more than 100 years ago, was closed in November 2011 after an engineering audit of all the ministry's properties nationwide found that the 1912 brick courthouse was a risk to the public in a serious earthquake.

Yesterday, about 60 staff, judiciary, lawyers, police and Mayor Garry Daniell, among others gathered to celebrate the building's reopening.

After a powhiri, a speech was given by District Courts general manager Tony Fisher.

Mr Fisher said the reopening was a "momentous occasion".

"It's great to be back in here, I'm sure you'll all agree," Mr Fisher said.

He then welcomed Judge Susan Thomas to speak.

"I can't tell you how delighted I am personally," Judge Thomas said.

"Eighteen months ago, the community was forced out of this building for seismic strengthening.

"[In the meantime] this court has sat in a caravan ... an office building and a supermarket," she said.

Although the court's old doors had been kept, the interior was almost entirely new. "This refurbished and dynamic court house is most fitting for a refurbished and dynamic justice system.

"The functions of this courthouse though have been strengthened remain the same as they did a century ago," the judge said.

Mr Borrows then spoke and unveiled a plaque commemorating the reopening.