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Information about significant Budget 2026 initiatives is below.
Rotorua courthouses
The Government is providing $100 million towards the construction of two new courthouses, one for the Rotorua Law Courts (housing a full range of justice services including High Court, District Court and Coroners Court operations) and one for the Rotorua Māori Land Court.
The new courthouses will be fit-for-purpose buildings designed to accommodate future demand for justice services in the Rotorua district.
Planning and design for the Rotorua Law Courts facility is well underway. Construction will begin in 2027, with the new facility expected to be operational by mid-2030.
Once complete, the old Rotorua courthouse building will be demolished, enabling construction of the new Rotorua Māori Land Court on Tutanekai St to get underway.
Budget 2026 provides a total of $44.903m over four years to deliver a reformed firearms system that will improve public safety and trust and provide efficient, effective, and responsive regulatory services.
It enables the establishment of Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand as a new independent entity, and enables the modernisation of firearms licensing, case management, and registration to improve public safety and enhance efficiency.
Legal aid – demand-driven cost pressures
The Ministry has received $30.280m in 2026/27 to meet demand-driven cost pressures.
This initiative will help fund pressures for legal aid services that are critical to the effective operation of the courts.
It will ensure eligible court participants continue to receive legal advice and representation, supporting equitable access to justice.
The Ministry will progress work on ensuring the scheme is financially sustainable into the future.
Court and coroner related costs – demand-driven cost pressures
This Budget initiative provides $12.154m in 2026/27 to meet demand-driven cost pressures.
This funding will ensure court participants continue to receive support and representation, and that the judiciary has access to the specialist information required to enable them to progress cases.
The Ministry will progress work on ensuring these services are financially sustainable into the future.
Offender Levy
This initiative increases the offender levy from $50 to $100.
The offender levy is payable at sentencing by any offender who is convicted. It is used to fund services for victims of serious crime and ensures that offenders pay to help address the harm that their crimes cause.
The change will increase offenders’ contribution to addressing the harm their criminal behaviour has caused to victims.