As part of a nationwide programme to modernise New Zealand’s courthouses, Sharp Signs East Tamaki has been working closely with the Ministry of Justice to deliver major signage and wayfinding upgrades.

At the Rotorua District Court, we recently completed a full refresh of internal signage, improving navigation, supporting new courtroom spaces, and introducing bilingual elements that reflect Te Ao Māori. The challenge was delivering all of this within a high-security, sensitive environment, where disruption was not an option.

Courtrooms, custodial areas, and public spaces all needed to remain fully operational, so our work was carefully planned and executed with precision. Installation was completed entirely after-hours, with night shifts and weekends ensuring proceedings continued uninterrupted. We also developed tailored solutions for heritage details, fabricating custom door shutters and peepholes to replicate the existing designs, maintaining the building’s character while introducing modern functionality.

Close collaboration with Watts & Hughes Construction allowed new signage to be integrated seamlessly into courtroom upgrades. Our design team also led the redevelopment of the wider wayfinding system, analysing traffic flow and court operations to produce updated maps and directional signage that now make navigation easier for staff, visitors, and custodial movement alike.

The outcome is a modern, accessible system that improves flow, strengthens cultural responsiveness, and honours the integrity of the courts. Rotorua is the first of several courts to be completed, with work at Manukau currently progressing in stages.