Government Commits $100 Million to New Rotorua Courthouse Facilities

Mrs McKee said the investment addresses longstanding concerns about the condition of Rotorua’s existing court infrastructure, which has suffered from serious maintenance and safety issues for years.

The Government has announced a major investment in Rotorua's justice infrastructure, with Budget 2026 allocating $100 million toward the construction of two new courthouse facilities aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and access to justice.

Courts Minister Nicole McKee confirmed the funding will support the development of a new Rotorua Law Courts complex and a separate new Rotorua Māori Land Court building.

The Rotorua Law Courts facility will house the High Court, District Court, Coroners Court, and relevant tribunals, while the dedicated Māori Land Court building is intended to better support the specialist functions of that jurisdiction.

Replacing Ageing and Unfit Court Buildings

Mrs McKee said the investment addresses longstanding concerns about the condition of Rotorua's existing court infrastructure, which has suffered from serious maintenance and safety issues for years.

"New Zealanders deserve a justice system that delivers timely outcomes in safe, modern, fit-for-purpose facilities," she said.

"For too long, Rotorua has been left with court buildings that are no longer fit for purpose. Longstanding issues including leaks, mould, and poor ventilation have created unacceptable conditions for court users and staff."

The Minister said the Government is focused on modernising the justice system and ensuring court facilities can properly support efficient legal processes and public confidence.

"This Government is getting on with fixing the problem – investing in modern facilities that restore confidence in the justice system and ensure victims, businesses, families, and communities can access justice without unnecessary delay," Mrs McKee said.

Increasing Court Capacity and Improving Timeliness

The new courthouse complex is expected to significantly expand Rotorua's courtroom capacity and help reduce delays within the justice system.

Mrs McKee said the development will include:

• Two new jury-enabled courtrooms

• One additional non-jury custodial courtroom

• One additional non-custodial multi-jurisdictional courtroom

The expansion is designed to allow more cases to be heard on time and improve the overall efficiency of court operations.

"We have already made strong progress on improving court timeliness, but faster justice requires the infrastructure to support it. You cannot run an efficient justice system out of failing buildings," she said.

"More courtrooms mean more cases heard on time and faster outcomes for victims and communities."

Improved Security and Safety Measures

The Government also highlighted significant security improvements planned for the new facilities.

Under the current courthouse layout, victims, defendants, jurors, witnesses, and other court users often share the same entrances and circulation spaces — an issue the Government says creates avoidable safety and security risks.

"The current facilities also create unnecessary security risks. Victims, jurors, witnesses, and defendants should not all be forced to use the same entrances," Mrs McKee said.

"The new courthouse will provide safer, more secure facilities for everyone using the courts."

Modern courthouse designs typically include separate access points, secure custody areas, and improved safety systems to reduce risk and improve courtroom operations.

Construction Timeline and Economic Impact

Planning and design work for the project is already underway, with procurement for the main construction contractor expected to begin shortly.

Construction is scheduled to commence next year, and the new Rotorua Law Courts facility is expected to become operational by mid-2030.

The investment is also expected to provide economic benefits for the Bay of Plenty region through construction activity, employment opportunities, and associated local business spending.

Mrs McKee said the project reflects the Coalition Government's focus on practical infrastructure investment while maintaining fiscal discipline.

"These practical investments to strengthen the justice system are made possible thanks to the Coalition Government's careful use of taxpayer money," she said.

The Rotorua redevelopment forms part of wider Government efforts to modernise justice infrastructure across New Zealand as demand on court services continues to grow.