Last week marked a significant moment for Ōtepoti, as mana whenua, project partners, and the community came together for the blessing of the newly refurbished Youth Courtroom. The ceremony acknowledged not only the physical transformation of the space, but also the collective intention behind it, creating an environment that supports healing, hope and positive outcomes for our rakatahi.
The refurbishment was made possible through a partnership between Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, and the Ministry of Justice, with Aukaha – Mana Ahurea leading the cultural co-design process alongside our team at Stephenson & Turner.
At the heart of the design sits a powerful guiding whakataukī:
“Ka haea te ata
Ka hāpara te ata
Ka pō, ka ao, ka awatea.”
The sun rises, the dawn breaks, from the night a new day begins .
Suggested by mana whenua, this whakataukī reflects the shift from darkness to light, a metaphor for growth and new possibilities. These themes flow throughout the court through the work of artists Morgan Darlison (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Tainui) and Andre Te Hira (Waitaha, Kāti Mamoe, Kāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi).
Morgan’s artwork features manu carrying kā kakano (seeds of knowledge), symbolising guidance, learning and the wisdom of Te Ao Mārama. Colours echo the first light across the horizon, uplifting the mauri of the space. The tāniko pattern of aramoana represents light on water, acknowledging the aspirations of youth as they navigate their journey.
Andre’s custom‑designed font brings the whakataukī to life physically within the space and serves as a daily reminder of renewal and potential.
In the role of lead Architect, Stephenson & Turner integrated the courtroom’s functional and operational needs (new Judge’s bench, Dock, interview rooms, waiting area, lighting, HVAC, and furniture) with a design solution that now delivers a far more welcoming, hopeful, and meaningful series of spaces.
The whakawātea reinforced the shared purpose behind the project: creating an environment that supports meaningful change, honours cultural identity, and upholds the mana of those who enter the Youth Court.
We’re proud to contribute to a space designed to uplift, empower, and support brighter futures.
View the full project details ``here
