Budget 2024: Allocation increased for courts

Budget 2024 has increased the funding allocation towards courts by a net amount of $8.329m.

The funds will go towards “detailed project investigations, the development of business cases and project operating costs relating to capital work to be completed on priority courthouses”, the Law Society reported. This complements the uptick in financing for the Wellington District Court remediation project and what the Law Society described as the “seismic strengthening” of courts in the country.

Among the projects that will benefit from the additional funding is the Auckland District Court, which is set for an upgrade. Work on this project commenced this year with a target completion date of 2027.

Criminal justice policy amendments played a role in the budget allocation: $8.682m has been earmarked to go to frontline support in line with the effecting of the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill, which is currently before the select committee. Moreover, $4.774m has been granted to the courts to put into action sentencing law changes like the reinstatement of the Three Strikes law. In particular, the funds are to be applied to “frontline services and case management system changes”.

Nonetheless, the Law Society said that it was still concerned about “the long-term prospects of funding to repair, maintain, and upgrade all courthouses requiring such work”. Briefings held last December with the incoming justice and courts ministers highlighted the need for considerable investments to facilitate the safe operations of busy courts.

Funding for safe, secure courts

In addition, $2.433m has been allocated for the management of greater volume and security pressures at the courts, particularly due to policy decisions impacting gangs.

The Law Society lauded the investment in this area, pointing to the recent attacks at Whangārei and Napier courthouses.  Among the safety and security initiatives implemented are greater visibility into meetings rooms, examining the safety inductions provided to court users, and ensuring that duress alarms are available, the organisation said.

"We commend the ministry for the work it has undertaken to identify the level of security required to ensure the safety of all court users and are encouraged to see this will be supported with an increased budget", Law Society Vice President David Campbell said.