Officially opened on Friday the 16th of October, by Justice Minister Simon Power, the ceremony was highly satisfying for all involved to attend, says Stuart Lyons, Project Manager at The Building Intelligence Group.

Also present to see their hard work come to fruition were representatives from Paris Magdalinos Architecture, PHC Ltd and Argon Construction, whose close collaboration ensured the creation of an enduring building.

It is a fitting testament to the late Paris Magdalino, and no exception to his previous work which is known to reverberate with explosive flourishes and startling colour.

As an important and much-improved new public facility for Hastings, and at 3300m2 over two floors, the courthouse is double the size of its predecessor, including four courtrooms, mediation and hearing rooms, seven judge's chambers and custodial areas.

A focal point of the courthouse is a new piece of public art commissioned by the Ministry of Justice, a sculpture entitled "Kaitiaki Manu: Guardians of the bird" by local artist Jacob Manu Scott. The two kaitiaki, or guardians, are described as 'standing steadfast in the maintenance of principles and practices' and their relationship as requiring dialogue and understanding - important foundations for any successful building project, and certainly the timely completion of this one.