The objective.

The Wellington District Court is undergoing a staged seismic strengthening programme aimed at lifting the building’s resilience to a minimum of 67% New Building Standard (NBS).

Given the critical nature of court services, the objective of the project is to strengthen the structure while allowing the building to remain operational throughout the programme. This requires carefully staged delivery so court proceedings and day-to-day operations can continue with minimal disruption.

Our involvement.

Petone Engineering has been delivering the structural steel strengthening works on the project for Hawkins as part of the wider staged upgrade programme.

A key milestone included the fabrication and major high-lift installation of a substantial K-Frame, forming a critical part of the building’s seismic strengthening system. Executing high-precision lifts of heavy structural steel within a live civic building required detailed coordination, controlled lifting methodology, and disciplined site execution.

Beyond the high-lift work, strengthening activities are being carried out room by room and floor by floor to suit the operational demands of the Court. Because the building must continue functioning during the day, steel installation activities are scheduled around those constraints, including nights and weekends, to maintain safety, access and programme momentum.

The outcome.

The strengthening works continue to progress as part of the broader seismic upgrade programme, contributing to the Court’s improved resilience and supporting its long-term operational future.

This project highlights Petone Engineering’s ability to deliver complex structural steel strengthening within fully operational civic buildings, combining technical precision with careful planning and reliable site execution.