Supreme Court of New Zealand

Supreme Court building

On 26 September 2006, the Minister for Courts Rick Barker unveiled the design for the new Supreme Court building.

The design concept provides for a new two level building on Lambton Quay, between Whitmore and Ballance Street that harmoniously connects with the old High Court building.

A large proportion of the construction project will include the restoration and enhancement of the old High Court building. The old High Court building hasn’t been used since 1993, so it will be good to see the old building return to its association with Justice. The Supreme Court building will be a significant addition to Wellington’s and New Zealand’s public buildings and will be a heritage site for the future.

Once completed the building will have an educational role. As is the case with Parliament, tours will be available so the public can be better informed about the New Zealand legal system and its history.

The cost of the proposed design concept includes restoration of the old High Court building (estimated at $25.3 million) and construction of a new Supreme Court building (estimated at $39.8 million). Almost half of the cost of the project is the cost of restoring the old High Court building.

Main Construction is expected to commence in October 2007 with completion in late 2009.