Old High Court

The original neo-classical building dates from 1879-80. Its designer was the Government Chief Draughtsman, Pierre Finch Matineau Burrows.

Despite it's age, this was not actually the capital city's first senior court house, that was the 'Supreme Court' which went up on Lambton Quay in 1861. This bigger build was ordered in 1878, and was also originally called the Supreme Court. Burrows, who was here inspired by English Courthouses, performed the duties of the Government Architect but never actually officially held the title.

In an early example of Wellington construction engineering, the building was constructed on reclaimed land, upon concrete piles driven deeply into the bedrock. This may have ensured its survival, with many changes throughout the 20th Century. As early as 1900, more space was required and alterations took place under government Architect John Campbell. Decorative elements inside also stood the test of time.

Later, with changes in the system, New Zealand did not need Supreme Courts, and reverted to a system of Provincial High Courts, so this became known as the High Court building.

After falling into disrepair when new courts overtook it's functions in 1993, the full refurbishment was undertaken in conjunction with the new build of the Supreme Court next door, this in response to a change in the system bringing back the 'Supreme' title but on a national level. Both were completed in 2009. Not long after, the Old High Court was put straight back to work when the 2011 earthquakes put the new Supreme Court out of action for a time. Perhaps the fitting of base isolators served this building as well as it's original foundations. Still under the ownership of the Ministry of Justice, it's current purpose is for ceremonial functions, and it is occasionally open to the public, for occasions like Heritage Week.

With neighbours like the Old Government Buildings, the High Courts holds it's own in Wellington's Historic Government Precinct and has proved it can still be useful.