Rotorua, New Zealand is set to receive a $100 million investment in justice infrastructure under Budget 2026, aimed at upgrading and expanding court facilities to improve access to timely legal services.
The funding will support the construction of two new courthouses: one housing the Rotorua Law Courts, including the High Court, District Court, Coroners Court and associated tribunals, and another dedicated to the Rotorua Māori Land Court.
Courts Minister Nicole McKee said the investment is intended to address long-standing infrastructure issues, including aging buildings with leaks, mould and poor ventilation that have affected both staff and court users. She emphasized that modern facilities are essential for an efficient justice system.
The new development is also expected to improve courtroom capacity and security. Plans include additional jury-enabled courtrooms, custodial and non-custodial spaces, and redesigned access points to ensure safer separation between victims, witnesses, jurors and defendants.
Government officials stated that increasing court capacity will help reduce delays in case processing and improve overall judicial efficiency. Planning and design work is already underway, with construction expected to begin after procurement of a main contractor. The facilities are projected to become operational by mid-2030.
The investment reflects broader efforts to modernize public infrastructure and strengthen institutional performance within New Zealand’s justice system.
