Big delays are expected to jury trials in Auckland

Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann's extended the suspension on jury trials in the region for November -- due to the Covid-outbreak.

It means jurors are excused from attending any court cases next month.

Criminal Defence Lawyer John Munro says workloads are likely to increase as a result.

He says jury trials that were expected to start in November, are likely to be pushed out until next October.

At the same time, no new jury trials will begin while Waikato is still in Alert Level Three.