New security screening at Auckland District Court has stopped dozens of items, including screwdrivers, knives and scissors, being taken into court.
The measures were brought in two weeks ago, and have now also been set up at Manukau District Court.
Only judges and police officers are exempt from walking through a metal detector and having their bags x-rayed.
Minister for Courts, Georgina Te Heuheu, says the security screening has been made available through $9 million allocated in last year's Budget for extra equipment and staff.
She says screening at the Auckland District Court is already proving successful, with up to 2000 people screened in its first week of operation.
The same measures will be introduced at Christchurch District Court next month.
