Hamilton Coroners Court Fit-out and Relocation
Creating a purpose-built environment for modern coronial services
The Ministry of Justice New Zealand sought to relocate the Coroners from premises that had been occupied since 2007 and were originally intended as a temporary solution. As coronial services evolved, the existing facility no longer met operational requirements or future needs. The project involved establishing a new purpose-built facility including a Coroner’s Court at 18 London Street, Hamilton, designed to better support Coroners, support services staff and the people who engage with the coronial process.
Project Overview
The project comprised the fit-out of an existing commercial tenancy to create a specialist coronial facility, including a Coroner’s Court, Judicial chambers, interview spaces, whānau room, public areas, staff workspaces and secure file storage. Completed in July 2026, the project had a construction value of $3 million and was designed to meet the operational, security and privacy requirements of a contemporary justice environment.
RDT Pacific provided Project Management and Engineer to the Contract services, supporting the Ministry of Justice throughout design coordination, procurement, construction, commissioning, handover and close-out.
The Challenge
Delivering the project required the adaptation of an existing commercial tenancy within a live, multi-tenanted building. The facility needed to accommodate specialist courtroom, security, acoustic and technology requirements while working within existing building constraints and operational limitations.
Restricted working hours, landlord interfaces, existing building conditions and significant coordination requirements across multiple disciplines added further complexity. The project team worked closely with consultants, contractors, specialist suppliers and Ministry stakeholders to ensure technical requirements and user needs were addressed holistically.
RDT Pacific’s Added Value
RDT Pacific’s role extended beyond traditional Project Management responsibilities.
The team facilitated coordination between the Ministry, landlord, consultants, contractors and specialist providers, helping identify risks early and manage critical project interfaces. This included supporting discussions around lease obligations, operational readiness, relocation planning and stakeholder decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
A strong focus was placed on collaboration, ensuring that security, acoustics, technology, operational requirements and user experience considerations were integrated into project decisions from design through to handover.
The Outcome
The completed facility provides a dedicated environment better aligned with modern coronial operations and the needs of those who use the service. Designed to support privacy, dignity, accessibility and functionality, the new space enables Coroners and support staff to work more effectively while creating a more appropriate experience for whānau engaging with the coronial process.
Importantly, the project demonstrates how an existing commercial tenancy can be successfully adapted to deliver a specialist justice-sector facility while preserving operational continuity and responding to complex stakeholder needs. Through proactive stakeholder coordination, risk management and operational readiness planning, RDT Pacific supported delivery within the Ministry’s managed budget, in accordance with the agreed programme and aligned with the approved business and investment objectives. The project team also supported a smooth transition into operations.
Media coverage
More inquiries being closed as Coroner’s Court opens in Hamilton – NZ Herald
Client feedback
“My sincere thanks to RDT Pacific and the wider project team for their outstanding contribution to this important justice facility and the timely delivery of the building fit-out. Quality was particularly well managed, as was the move management.”
Simon Hampson, Director Capital Delivery & Property, Ministry of Justice
Testimonial
RDT Pacific were instrumental in delivering this important Justice facility, with a consistent focus on programme, quality and stakeholder alignment throughout the fitout and relocation. My sincere thanks to RDT Pacific and the wider team for helping deliver this excellent outcome for the Coroners and staff, enabling them to better serve whānau facing difficult circumstances.
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