Courts Minister Nicole McKee has announced a major $100 million investment in Rotorua’s justice infrastructure, allocated in Budget 2026 for the construction of two new court facilities.
The funding will contribute to a new Rotorua Law Courts building, which will house the High Court, District Court, Coroners Court, and relevant tribunals, alongside a new Rotorua Māori Land Court.
Minister McKee stated that the investment is crucial because “New Zealanders deserve a justice system that delivers timely outcomes in safe, modern, fit-for-purpose facilities”. The current buildings are “no longer fit for purpose,” suffering from long-standing issues including leaks, mould, and poor ventilation that have created unacceptable conditions for court users and staff.
The new infrastructure aims to fix these problems, restoring confidence in the justice system and ensuring that victims, businesses, families, and communities can access justice without unnecessary delay. The new facilities will also address unnecessary security risks, ensuring victims, jurors, witnesses, and defendants are not forced to use the same entrances.
The new Rotorua Law Courts will significantly increase courtroom capacity, adding two new jury-enabled courtrooms, one additional non-jury custodial courtroom, and one additional non-custodial multi-jurisdictional courtroom. This is expected to lead to more cases being heard on time and faster outcomes for victims and communities.
Local Lawyers Welcome Upgrade
Aukaha News has spoken to Rotorua lawyers Max Simpkins and Hinerau Rāmeka from Simpkins Legal who are welcoming the upgrade after one experienced cold, damp, mouldy conditions where it rained inside the court room. Aukaha News will bring you that story shortly.
Planning and design work for the new facilities is already underway, with construction expected to begin next year following the procurement of the main contractor.
The new Rotorua Law Courts facility will be located on Pukuatua Street on a site that has already been purchased, and is expected to be operational by mid-2030. Once the new Law Courts facility is operational, the current courthouse site on Tutanekai Street will be cleared to allow for the construction of the new Māori Land Court, which is expected to begin in 2031. The new Māori Land Court is expected to improve access to services for Rotorua iwi regarding land issues, whakapapa claims, and land management. Justice Minister Hon Paul Goldsmith was present alongside Courts Minister Nicole McKee for the pre-budget announcement.