Ministry of Justice announces reopening of premises, expects further upgrades
New Zealand’s Ministry of Justice has announced the completion of the Nelson courthouse upgrades seeking to address a possibly critical seismic risk and its expectation for the premises to reopen to the public on Wednesday, 4 June.
An initial seismic assessment called for the court to adopt precautionary measures, specifically through installing steel bracing to strengthen the building’s performance in the event of an earthquake, according to the justice ministry’s media release.
The justice ministry, which vacated the premises for the remediation in February, noted that the work disrupted the courthouse’s regular operations. Specifically, the Nelson court transferred some appearances to Blenheim, while court and tribunal operations alike ran from temporary sites and shared counters such as the Nelson Bridge Club.
The justice ministry shared that it expects the Nelson courthouse to undergo further strengthening work after a more detailed and targeted seismic assessment.
“The health and safety of all users of the courthouse remains a priority,” said Robert Loo, the justice ministry’s acting regional services manager, in the media release. “Engineers confirm the building can be reoccupied while further seismic assessment is undertaken.”
In the media release, Loo added that the justice ministry was grateful to its justice sector partners, the judiciary, the court users, and the larger Nelson community for their support throughout the seismic strengthening process.
The justice ministry noted that the Nelson courthouse would continue to impose temporary measures until the reopening.
Back in early April, an update from the justice ministry said the Nelson court’s closure to the public would continue during the pendency of the seismic strengthening and remediation work within the premises.
In light of that work, the justice ministry noted at the time that the Nelson courthouse would be limiting public counter services and implementing temporary arrangements for its court and tribunal operations.
