| 15 T T Karen Phelps Extensive community input into new facilities The new facility will be constructed on the corner of McLean, Willow and Monmouth Streets, directly across from the existing McLean House. Ministry of Justice: Hawkins - Tauranga Courthouse REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Work is progressing on Tauranga’s much-anticipated new courthouse, marking the beginning of a $208 million project that will significantly enhance the region’s judicial facilities. Early construction activities such as earthworks commenced at the new courthouse site in January 2025 and the main building consent will be submitted soon, bringing the project closer to full realisation. The current courthouse comprises two linked buildings that have presented ongoing challenges for the Ministry of Justice. “The Cameron Road building was in poor condition and not cost effective to fix,” says Kelvin Watson, the Ministry’s Deputy Secretary - Corporate Services. “The other building, McLean House, while outdated, will undergo refurbishment as part of the redevelopment project.” The new facility will be constructed on the corner of McLean, Willow and Monmouth Streets, directly across from the existing McLean House. A pedestrian link bridge will be constructed over McLean Street, allowing staff to travel between buildings ensuring seamless operation across both facilities, says Kelvin. Modern safety considerations have also been integral to the planning process featuring safer facilities and spaces for wrap around services supporting court participants. One of the most significant improvements will be the expansion of courtroom capacity. “The number of courtrooms will increase from 10 to 13 allowing more High Court matters to be dealt with in Tauranga and reducing travel disruption for victims, supporters and court participants. This addresses long-standing capacity issues and will provide greater convenience for all court users.” He says the Ministry has prioritised creating a more welcoming environment for visitors and staff alike. “While courthouses play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of courts and tribunals, and enabling all New Zealanders to access justice, they can sometimes be an intimidating environment. The new building has been designed to improve the experience for people visiting and working in the courthouse.” The design process has been notably collaborative, involving extensive consultation. Members of the local judiciary, court staff and community service providers who work with victims and survivors, as well as the legal profession, Police, Corrections and people with lived experience of the justice system have all contributed. The design process also had input from the Tauranga community, including project partners, Te Kāhui Hapū o Te Papa which includes representatives from six local hapū - Ngai Tamarāwaho, Ngāti Tapū, Ngai Tūkairangi, Ngāti Hē, Ngāi Te Ahi and Ngāti Ruahine. Kelvin says this collaborative approach has resulted in a uniquely contextual design. “The resulting courthouse design connects to the Tauranga Moana landscape and community and incorporates Te Ao Māori values and concepts. The building will include dedicated spaces for whānau while considering the specific needs of kaumātua.” The project recently reached a symbolic milestone when project partners attended a blessing ceremony and a Mauri stone has been laid beneath the building foundations. Kelvin says the new courthouse represents part of the Ministry’s broader modernisation programme. “The Ministry has a large property portfolio and delivers services across Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Kelvin. “In Tauranga and other key sites, we are working to create spaces that are modern, safe, accessible, able to support flexible service delivery in the future and designed both with and for the communities they serve.” rcp.co.nz SHAPE ORGANISE DELIVER
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