The Manukau District Court is New Zealand’s busiest District Court and second-busiest jury court. To meet the growing demand for justice services across South Auckland, the Ministry of Justice initiated the Manukau District Court Capacity Expansion Project – a major investment aimed at increasing courtroom capacity, extending judicial services, improving staff environments, and enhancing facilities for victims and whānau.

This project helped the Ministry of Justice to deliver faster, safer, and more accessible justice services through modern, flexible, and culturally grounded spaces, future-proofing the country’s busiest District Court for decades to come.

RDT Pacific has a long association with the precinct, having also delivered Project Management and Engineer to the Contract services for the 2015 extension – which introduced a four-story building extension and created a “void space” on Level 2 for future fit out – a sally port upgrade, delivery of an improved security lobby, and delivery of a cell safety programme of works. The current capacity expansion project builds upon these legacy projects, realising the original vision of a future-ready courthouse.

Project Overview

Stage 1 – Completed November 2024

Construction of a new custody courtroom and associated facilities on the ground floor, and fit-out of the previously unutilised “void space” (~1,500 m²) on Level 2 of Building 2, delivering:

• A new jury-capable courtroom and staff registry spaces
• Additional public amenities and improved whānau areas
• Dedicated offices for Community Magistrates and Judicial Justices of the Peace
• Increased registry capacity across family and criminal jurisdictions

 

Stage 2 – Completed October 2025

• A ~460 m² building extension to create six new Judges’ chambers
• Enlargement and provision of custody access to an existing family courtroom, two new family courtrooms, and one new mediation room.
• Expanded working and storage areas for registry and security teams
• New offices for victim support services including fit for purpose spaces for victims and whanau
• An improved public café
• Improved security search area
• Building asset and infrastructure improvements

 

Stage 3 – Completion January 2026

• Refurbishment and expansion of the Customer Service Centre to create a safer, more efficient, and welcoming environment for both kaimahi and the public.

 

Construction was meticulously staged to ensure the court remained fully operational throughout the project. Works were carefully sequenced to minimise disruption and maintain clear separation between construction zones, judicial thoroughfares, and public areas. The delivery team has been commended by the judiciary for achieving exceptional outcomes with minimal disruption, exceeding expectations for working a live, operational environment. RDT Pacific led the coordination of multiple consultants, contractors, and Ministry stakeholders, successfully navigating the complexities of a live, high-security court environment and ensuring continuity of service while delivering critical areas of the project ahead of schedule and under budget.

Collaboration and engagement were central to the project’s success. The Ministry of Justice worked closely with the judiciary, mana whenua, and a broad range of local and national stakeholders, including the New Zealand Police, Department of Corrections, and many others in planning and executing the project.

The Manukau District Court Capacity Expansion project strengthens the resilience of South Auckland’s justice infrastructure and enhances the experience of court users, staff, and judiciary alike. By combining functional design, cultural integrity, and operational flexibility, the project sets a new benchmark for the delivery of justice facilities in Aotearoa New Zealand.