Supreme Court, Wellington
Early start this morning to catch the 0730 to Wellington for a two day meeting. Sunrise while in the taxi on the way to the airport. A magnificent large orange ball. Crossing the Mangere Bridge ove the Manukau Harbour, I saw the sun across the water. Great to see, with no possibility of taking or therefore missing a picture.
After a long and at time trying day, I was able to get out for a run in Wellington this evening.saw a number of things, and did take some picture before I went past the new Supreme Court building in Whitmore Street. It's not extremely new, being opened in 2010. At the time of its opening this is what the NZ Herald wrote:
It has taken six years for New Zealand's Supreme Court to get a new home.
The court has been housed in Wellington's former High Court since its creation in 2004. But that building was significantly run down.
"It had suffered significant water damage, it's foundations were entirely inadequate," says Andrew Hampton, from the Ministry of Justice.
For the last two years construction workers have been transforming a well-known Wellington park in the CBD, which neighbours the High Court, into the highest court in the land.
The new Supreme Court building, with a 90 tonne copper cage, has been called a monstrosity by some.
But its designer Roy Wilson says it is a feat of workmanship.
"There will be dissenting opinion because it's a different building ," Wilson says.
Wilson say the building reflects New Zealand, with the cage and its red glass symbolising the strength and long life of Pohutakawa and Rata trees.
The theme continues inside, with the main court an orb to mimic the shape of a Kauri cone and the boards lining the room taking inspiration from a Tukutuku pattern on a Marae.
A Waka Huia from Te Papa and an old inkwell from the Privy Council in London, which the Supreme Court, replaces, are displayed in cabinets near the Judges' bench.
The old High Court has been fully restored but repairing water damage and earthquake proofing has seen the original $65 million budget blow out by about $15 million.
But Roy Wilson thinks it is all worth it.
"We don't build very many good buildings these days, and I hope this is one of those that will stand the test of time. "
A glimpse of the old High Court is seen on the left. I particularly like the reflections of the old building being hit by the setting sun.
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