Our seismic policy guides decision-making on seismic work carried out across the Ministry’s extensive property portfolio.
Central to these decisions is the safety of all building users. Consideration is also given to ensuring services can continue operating to an acceptable standard in the event of a moderate earthquake.
The policy incorporates guidance from the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and has been developed in accordance with the latest health and safety legislation.
Ministry of Justice Seismic Policy [PDF, 214 KB]
Seismic work begun on the Auckland District Court building in 2024. Over the next few years, the Ministry will strengthen the building and replace most of its services infrastructure, which includes things like heating, cooling and electrical systems.
The Ministry is working with Crown infrastructure agency Rau Paenga, on the planning and delivery of this project. Find out more about the work to strengthen the Auckland District Court building on the Rau Paenga website Auckland District Court Building | Rau Paenga(external link).
In August 2024, the Ministry received an independent engineer’s report and Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA) of the Greymouth Courthouse.
The DSA assessed the building as being at 15 per cent of New Building Standard (NSB), indicating it is potentially earthquake prone.
Independent advice from Holmes Group CEO John Hare, one of the country’s pre-eminent structural engineers, advised the courthouse is suitable for continued occupancy while remediation work is carried out.
That work is now underway and is expected to take between six to nine months, including design, consenting and remedial construction. Wider seismic resilience and other property improvement work is also planned for the site which is expected to take a few years.
The Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA) of the Greymouth Courthouse, produced by WSP in August 2024: Greymouth District Court - Detailed Seismic Assessment [PDF, 4.6 MB]
The Engineer’s Occupancy Assessment of the Greymouth Courthouse, produced by Holmes NZ LP in August 2024: Greymouth District Courthouse Ministry of Justice - Technical Advisory [PDF, 907 KB]
MOJ seismic policy - FAQs_Feb 2024.pdf [PDF, 149 KB] These Frequently asked Questions provide some more detailed information about our policy.
In December 2020, Levin District Courthouse reopened after an almost year-long seismic strengthening project was completed.