$100m Budget allocation for two new courthouses in Rotorua, Nicole McKee announces

Rotorua's rundown courthouse will be replaced within four years, thanks to a $100 million Budget allocation.

Courts Minister Nicole McKee said the money would pay for two new courthouses - one for the High Court, District Court, Coroners Court and tribunals, and the other for the Rotorua Māori Land Court.

The district had long been waiting for an upgrade, with the current facility featuring lengthy security waits, complaints and defendants sitting "shoulder to shoulder" in waiting areas, poor access for people with disabilities, and a cockroach infestation.

The government had already purchased land for the new building and was seeking resource consent, but until now there was no money to fund the build.

"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," said McKee.

"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."

The new buildings would "significantly increase" courtroom capacity including two new jury-enabled courtrooms, one additional non-jury custodial courtroom and an extra non-custodial multi-jurisdictional courtroom, McKee said.

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

The main new courthouse would be built on Pukutua Street, and was expected to open by mid-2030.

The new Māori Land Court would be built on the current Rotorua courthouse site on Tutanekai Street, with construction beginning in 2031.

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