The result was a social distancing-compliant, almost USS Enterprise-esque jury seating arrangement in the traditional setting of the ornate high courtroom.
On Monday morning, jurors sat in the public gallery waiting for their names to be called as the first people to test out the new formation.
However, before they were empanelled, the defendant unexpectedly pleaded guilty to his charges and the potential jurors were sent home.
Since then the spaced-out seating has also been employed in another courtroom, meaning simultaneous jury trials may be held in Dunedin during Level 2.
And it had been done without permanently altering or damaging the historic decor of the courthouse, staff confirmed.
The same alterations were unable to be made at the Invercargill District Court, where jury trials were suspended until the end of the month.
Ministry of Justice chief operating officer Carl Crafar said the Covid-19 restrictions meant there was a 1m distance required between court users.
Anyone who entered the building was subject to thermal screening, and face masks and hand sanitiser were available.
Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann previously announced jury trials had been suspended in Auckland this week.
A review was ongoing as to whether they could recommence on August 27.
