Two new courthouses will be built in Whanganui and Papakura.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Minister Nicole McKee have confirmed the funding for two new courthouse projects, aiming to improve access to justice and court timeliness. The current buildings in both locations are no longer suitable for use and need replacement. In Papakura, the existing courthouse is a leaky building that has been temporarily covered with plastic wrap since 2021.
Construction on the new Whanganui courthouse began recently, with an investment of $100 million. The facility will have four courtrooms, including two jury-capable rooms suitable for large trials. The new Papakura courthouse is expected to be built at the site of the former RSA, which was purchased by the Ministry of Justice for $11 million.
The projects aim to provide safer spaces for victims, defendants, and their families. Both courthouses are anticipated to become operational in 2027.