Consider, if you will, the weight of justice held within these brick walls. The Auckland High Court stands here a Gothic Revival testament to Auckland’s legal history. It is more than just a building. It is a place where lives intersect with the law.
Let’s step back in time to the 1860s. Construction began in 1865 on what was then called the Auckland Supreme Court. The original builder went bankrupt, halting progress. Mathews and Bartley stepped in to finish the job and completed it in 1867. Designed by Edward Rumsey, a student of George Gilbert Scott. The Auckland High Court features a crenellated central tower. Look closely at the gargoyles. These carvings by Anton Teutenberg represent judges and dignitaries from the 1860s. He even carved Queen Victoria and Prince Albert facing each other above the central entrance.
In 1980, the name changed to Auckland High Court to make way for a new Supreme Court of New Zealand. Parts of the original building were demolished in 1988 to expand the courthouse.
Notice the two pōhutukawa trees behind the Auckland High Court. They mark the spot where the General Assembly House once stood. This is where the New Zealand Parliament met when Auckland was the capital.
In the late 20th century, the Auckland High Court expanded into a larger complex. The original courthouse has been restored and strengthened. A new court building was added to increase capacity.
Take a moment to admire the artworks around the Auckland High Court. In 1990, Jacob Manu Scott added Waharoa to the entranceway. This glass and steel sculpture represents the partnership of tangata whenua. The colored glass panels symbolize different groups. Ngāti Whātua is represented by purple. Tainui is represented by green. Māori people are represented by red. Pākehā is represented by blue.
To the west stands Fred Graham’s sculpture Justice added in 1999. Three Oamaru limestone pillars form the scales of justice. Twelve pieces of wood represent the story of Tāne’s baskets of knowledge. Twelve river stones symbolize the members of a jury.
The Auckland High Court has witnessed many significant cases. In 1985, it held its first terrorism trial after the Rainbow Warrior bombing. It also held the murder trials of Antoine Dixon and serial killer Hayden Poulter.
In 1868, the Auckland High Court opened. In March 2018, the Auckland High Court celebrated its 150th anniversary with mock trials. Judges donned white wigs and robes. The public played jurors and defendants. It was a unique glimpse into the workings of the court.
The Auckland High Court stands as a symbol of justice. Its walls echo with the voices of the past and present. As we leave, remember the stories held within this historic building.