He's not God, but Winston Peters' arrival certainly boosted morale for the town of Dargaville, where he was once schooled, that will soon have a 'hearings only' court.
If Government has its wish, many people in this region will have to travel up to two hours to Whangārei, and then another two hours to get home.
Local Māori elder Robert Sarich says it's too far to travel for those who live in the Waipoua Forest, on Poutō Penninsula at Tinopai and Tangiterōria.
Northern Wairoa is a vast region with a very high Māori population, and they will feel the brunt of this initiative. Government maintains that apart from the services in Whangārei, people can also access justice via the internet.
The community continues to look at strategies that will make Government change its tune.
