The building was handed over to the justice ministry last week
Construction has wrapped up on the new courthouse in Papakura, which is set to begin operating in January 2027.
The building, which is located at 40 Elliot St, was handed over to the justice ministry in a ceremony held on Thursday 22 October. Ngāti Tamaoho and Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua kaumātua conducted a pre-dawn blessing to mark the practical completion of the courthouse.
The Kawanga Whare ceremony included the planting of an ANZAC tree in homage to the site’s past as a base for the Papakura RSA and its links to the military. Attendees included Law Association vice president Samira Taghavi, three judges who once served in armed forces, and a regimental sergeant from the local military unit, according to the Law Association.
In a statement published by the Law Association, judge Gerard Winter described the courthouse as marking “a profound investment in the rule of law, our courts, and the South Auckland community”.
Courts minister Nicole McKee and justice minister Paul Goldsmith said the project remained on budget and that preparations were being made to launch a safe, high-capacity court, including those related to technology installation, courtroom fit-out, testing and operations.
McKee confirmed that the courthouse would have a dedicated a secure suite for vulnerable witnesses equipped with audiovisual facilities to facilitate evidence presentation remotely. It would also have three courtrooms and two hearing rooms to accommodate the demand in South Auckland.
The new courthouse will replace the current one, which according to Ministry of Justice Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Paula Knaap is riddled with leaks causing mould and air quality issues.
“The project is an important part of the Ministry’s stewardship of its property portfolio, supporting the careful management and renewal of court infrastructure over the long term”, Knapp said in a media release by the justice ministry.
Goldsmith shared that half the building was built off-site before being transported to Papakura as prefabricated modules. The construction budget was set at $34m.
“That approach has saved time and reduced disruption to the surrounding community. The project remains on track to take just 17 months from the start of construction to opening its doors. It shows what can be achieved when we focus on what a courthouse needs to deliver and are prepared to build differently”, he said in the government’s media release.
Features of the new courthouse include entrance pillars reflecting the tidal patterns of the Pahurehure Inlet and a water sculpture representing peace, cleansing and restoration.
“This design assures everyone who will step through these doors seeking justice. Regardless of their ethnicity, culture, abilities, who they are, or where they are from, they will be seen, and they will be heard”, Winter said. “A courthouse is ultimately more than its glass and timber and digital screens. It is a sacred place, a sacred civic space where conflict is resolved, rights are vindicated, accountability is enforced, and peace is restored”.
“Taxpayers deserve public infrastructure that is delivered when promised, within budget, and does the job it is needed for. This project is on track to meet those expectations. For victims, coming to court can be daunting. They deserve facilities that help them feel safe and supported while giving evidence, and a justice system that deals with their cases without unnecessary delay”, McKee said in the government’s media release. “I also want to thank the court staff who have kept justice services running in difficult conditions at the existing courthouse. I know they’re excited to move into the new building”.
Registry staff who had maintained operations at the current courthouse include Sue Kirk and her team, the Law Association said. The government announced funding for the new courthouse in 2024.
