Supreme Court of New Zealand

Supreme Court building: Media Releases

Hon Rick Barker - Minister for Courts

Historic Places Trust media release

Historic Places Trust logo.

“An exciting and contemporary solution that reflects New Zealand’s unique natural heritage, and respects our historic heritage” sums up the delight expressed by New Zealand Historic Places Trust Chief Executive Bruce Chapman in support of the concept design for the Supreme Court redevelopment.

The former High Court building has exceptional historic significance. This is reflected in its registration as a Category I historic place and within the Government Centre Historic Area. Concept plans revealed today show a commitment to retain an important part of New Zealand’s built heritage and incorporate a sympathetic and dignified new building into an historic area of Wellington’s CBD.

From the beginning NZHPT has advocated strongly for the retention of the historic building, including its utility values and noted building fabric, and for adaptation with minimal changes to meet new functional requirements.

This has been achieved with full restoration of significant interior spaces, including the Number 1 Courtroom which will have a new life for ceremonial and associated judicial purposes. A number of other high profile uses of the restored spaces including the Chief Judge’s Chambers, conference and meetings rooms, will ensure ongoing purposefulness for this historic building for a further 100 years.

The new building, while clearly of its time, does not mimic the architectural style of the historic building. It will be of a size, scale, massing, modulation and shape that are both compatible with and sympathetic to the old.

NZHPT pays tribute to the architects Warren and Mahoney, the project team from Promanco Kelman and Chris Cochran Conservation Architect, and is encouraged by the whole of government approach during the development of the design concept.

This Supreme Court redevelopment will keep alive the stories of New Zealand’s judicial history for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

NZHPT Contact:
Ann Neill, General Manager, Central Region, mobile ph 0274 984 604