The Old High Court

Here you can find out about the history the Old High Court:

Opening of The Old High Court

On 11 April 1881 the Supreme Court building (aka the Old High Court) was officially opened by Chief Justice Prendergast. See The Old High Court - 140 years old to find out more.

Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Ngāti Ruanui leader Riwha Tītokowaru appear in the dock of the Old High Court

In 1886, Te Whiti-o-Rongomai (the Prophet of Parihaka), Riwha Tītokowaru and 8 followers appeared in the dock of the Old High Court after being charged with forcible entry and riot. See The Old High Court – Te Whiti and Titokowaru to find out more.

Dark times

There were some very dark times for the Old High Court between 1881 to 1961 (when capital punishment was abolished). See The Old High Court - Dark times to find out more (This page includes information on executions, discretion is advised).

The pipe, the rubbish bin and the judge's head

Sir Henry Hubert Ostler (former Supreme Court judge) recollects some interesting memories from his time at the Old High Court. See The Old High Court - The pipe, the rubbish bin and the judge's head to find out more.

Restoration

A restoration of the Old High Court was undertaken when a permanent home for the new Supreme Court was planned on the Lambton Quay end of the block. See The Old High Court - Restoration to find out more.