The Supreme Court of New Zealand was founded in 1841, the same year the Colony of New Zealand was established and Aukland became its capital. The Gothic Revival plans for a new building were on the drawing board of architect Edward Rumsey when Wellington became the capital in 1865. Despite the move, this courthouse was finished in 1868. The building features carvings by Anton Teutenberg of gargoyles and faces of prominent 19th century Aucklanders including Ngāpuhi chief Hōne Heke. Fortunately, this impressive façade was maintained during the expansions in 1936 and 1988. Since the new Supreme Court of New Zealand was established in 2004, this has been called the Auckland High Court.
