Miyamoto International NZ successfully delivered the Wanganui District and High Courts extension for the Ministry of Justice. This extension involved the existing custodial area and included a new sally port, custodial office, bail-out facility and holding cells.

As the project manager for this extension, we had a range of issues to resolve. As the work was to the custodial area, high-security standards from the Police and Department of Corrections had to be maintained. The work also had to occur without disrupting the Court. This meant significant staging was required so people being transferred and held in custody continued as normal.

Complex issues also had to be carefully managed. A range of Ministry of Justice stakeholders had an interest in the project, including Court staff, regional managers, iwi, security, the judiciary, lawyers, Police and Department of Corrections. The site also bordered Moutoa Gardens. The Wanganui courthouse is owned by a local iwi trust with a local iwi board managing the gardens. As a result, significant iwi and stakeholder communication and negotiation was conducted to ensure all needs were heard, respected and accommodated.

Our project management expertise saw the Wanganui Courts extension delivered to the satisfaction of all parties within the boundaries of the current site. We have been proud to see improved facilities for the people of Wanganui and a Courthouse that better serves the needs of justice.