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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. "
