UPDATED 11.54am The trial of Ashburton double-murder accused Russell John Tully is underway.

A jury of four men and eight women has been selected in the High Court at Christchurch for the man accused of killing two women at the Ashburton Work and Income office in 2014.

Seated in the public gallery, the jury panel listened to Justice Cameron Mander as he read from a list of seven charges Tully faces in relation to the shooting.

Tully faces multiple charges including the murder of Peggy Noble and Leigh Cleveland as well as the attempted murder of Lindy Curtis and Kim Adams.

Tully is representing himself, and will be assisted by two lawyers who are acting as friends of the court.

The jury has been given a short break, with opening arguments expected to begin shortly.