Ministry of Justice corporate and digital services deputy secretary Tina Wakefield said the new courtrooms would be bigger and allow for trials with large numbers of defendants to take place.
There would be dedicated spaces for victims, participants and their whānau. The buildings would provide a safe and healthy environment for all court users.
“This is welcome news. We are pleased to be able to confirm the future direction of the project. We want to thank the local community and our partners for their continued support.”
The press release said it was in the final phases of designing the courthouse. The design would will reflect Te Ao Māori values and concepts including Hohou te Rongo, which was about resolution and restoration of balance.
It would also include whānau-centric spaces, where people could work with participants and their whānau to support, restore and facilitate.
“We would like to acknowledge the contribution of Te Kāhui Hapū o Te Papa - representatives of Ngāi Tamarāwaho, Ngāti Tapu, Ngāi Tūkairangi, Ngāti Hē, Ngāi Te Ahi and Ngāti Ruahine - we have worked together to help ensure the new courthouse will meet the needs of the Tauranga community.”
Work to prepare the site on the corner of McLean, Willow, and Monmouth St was “well under way”.
Construction was expected to start next year.