A very special staff member has been patrolling the halls of the Tauranga District Court.
Mabel, who mostly helps to support young witnesses, is a golden retriever.
Her owner, court victim advisor Gail Bryce, says Mabel is easily the most popular member of the team.
"Everybody wants to talk to Mabel. I don't think anyone's noticed me for the past five years!"
Bryce started bringing her first mobility dog, Louie, to court with her six years ago, when she was working with two young girls involved in a difficult trial. She knew they would struggle giving evidence and wanted to find a way to help.
"I went home and was racking my brain thinking what can we do, we need to do something differently for these children, and that was as I was patting Louie," Bryce said. "I thought, well here's the answer!"
When Louie passed away in 2018, Mabel followed in his footsteps.
It's become standard practice for her to sit with young witnesses, often in a secure witness room, while they are questioned by the court via a video link.
"If they're able to do that without getting upset, and not taking so many breaks, and we can get their evidence done and they can leave, that's what we're aiming for," Bryce said.
Crown solicitor Anna Pollett said it improves the court process.
"We've had less breaks in the evidence if Mabel has been in the room, because she's just providing that additional comfort," she said.
Judge Christina Cook has noticed the impact of Mabel's work too.
"It means that we can get the best evidence, and the most efficient use of the court process," she said.
So far Mabel has assisted more than 60 children, as they tackle what can be an intimidating and scary situation for young people.
"She's had many a tear cried into these little ears," Bryce said.
Meanwhile at Auckland's Waitākere District Court, three-year-old Holly has just started carrying out similar work.
She recently took on her very first job, helping a group of adults who were making victim impact statements during a sentencing.
Judge Maria Pecotic acknowledged Holly's presence in court that day.
"We have a court support dog available. She has been trained. We are lucky, we only have two in the country and one is here at Waitākere," she said.
Holly's owner Karen Simpson, who works as a judge's personal assistant at the court, said she received encouraging feedback afterwards.
"Things such as, 'Holly's been the best part of today, when I met Holly and cuddled her I knew I could do it then'," said Simpson.
"I felt really proud of what she did for that."
While Holly is still relatively new to the job, Simpson believes the positives of having her around are evident.
"I truly believe it's of huge benefit," Simpson said.
And while dogs in the court might not be a common sight just yet, Holly and Mabel are certainly a welcome one for those who need them most.
