Ceremony marks completion of additional courtrooms and safer spaces at Manukau District Court
Mana whenua welcomed attendees at dawn on Friday 10 October with karanga and led them through the building in a Kawanga Whare — a ceremony transitioning tapu to noa and blessing the expanded and refurbished areas.
Attendees gathered at dawn for the Manukau District Court Kawanga Whare | blessing ceremony included Minister for Courts, Hon Nicole McKee, members of the judiciary and the Ministry’s acting Chief Executive and Secretary for Justice, Kelvin Watson.
Acting Secretary for Justice, Kelvin Watson and Group Manager, Courts and Tribunals and Regional Service Delivery, Jacquelyn Shannon.
Justice sector partners from Police and community corrections also took part in the walk though of the site along with court staff and construction project partner Watts & Hughes. The event marks the milestone completion of the expansion project, on time and under budget.
Manukau District Court is the busiest district court in the country and the second busiest jury court. Demand for justice services in South Auckland is projected to increase, placing further pressure on already busy court operations.
A fit-out of unused space from an earlier extension and modifications across the site has delivered four new courtrooms and more space for judges, staff, and whānau, ensuring Manukau District Court can meet growing demand while providing spaces that are fit-for-purpose, safe, and welcoming.
Acting Executive Judge, Alan Goodwin hariru with mana whenua.
Additional spaces and upgrades made as part of the Manukau expansion project include:
- six new Judges’ chambers
- dedicated offices for Community Magistrates and Justices of the Peace
- enlarged criminal registry and new family registry offices
- enlarged, secure facilities for Victim Advisors, including a dedicated internal access route
- additional whānau room, six new interview rooms, secure victim waiting rooms, and an improved public café
- bi-lingual signage and design features reflecting Mana Whenua and the Manukau community.
Enhanced safety and security upgrades made as part of project include controlled public exits, improved fire safety, an upgraded HVAC system and installation of two new lifts.
Judges, staff, and victims all contributed to the design and construction was carefully sequenced to ensure no reduction in courtroom availability throughout the project. The expansion project began in 2024 and was completed on time and $2.86 million under its initial budget of $34.560 million.
The Manukau District Court expansion is a cornerstone of the Ministry’s South Auckland Courts Strategy.
Courts Minister, Hon Nicole McKee and judiciary.
Kaumatua leading the dawn ceremony.
Project Director, Martin Donnachie and Manager Justice Services, Jamies Haynes.
Criminal Court Registry Officers Mara Sulfa and Vaai Peapea, Service Manager, Sione Fifita and Team Manager, Easther Toma.
Mana whenua.
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